Modular deployable antenna

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular deployable antenna, toparticularly the one applicable as a transmit-receive antenna 10 to 15 mlong mounted in a mobile communications satellite, as an antenna for aremote-sensing satellite for investigating resources, and to ageostationary platform and a solar beam converging panel for a spacestation.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The development of a large-sized deployable antenna applicable toa variety of purposes such as communication, broadcasting, and furthersurvey of the earth and deep space is accelerated for the purpose ofcommunicating more information at present. The basic idea in design ofthe large-sized deployable antenna varies considerably depending uponpracticability, profitability or a purpose of use. For example, for anantenna applied to a communication or broadcasting satellite requiring alarge-sized deployed reflector, efficiency of stowing an antenna into alaunched satellite, light weight, reliability of a deploying mechanismand precision after deployment are primarily required. For such anantenna applied to such a satellite requiring a high-precisionreflector, choice of material suitable for the location of use andreflector forming technique are required. In case an antenna isassembled in an orbit, the technique of assembling in an orbit isprimarily required.

[0005] Referring to a large-sized deployed reflector, various types aredeveloped at present. A deployable truss mesh type in which metallicmesh is spread on a deployable trussed back structure, an inflatabletype which is hardened in a predetermined shape by expanding it with gaspressure, and a tension truss type constituted by an extensible mastmounted on the central support structure and extending outside theradius and specular mesh spread over the central support structure bythe mast are contained.

[0006] Referring to the deployable truss mesh type above all, generallythe back structure is constituted by combining plural modulesconstituted by a triangle or hexagonal prism serially, and mesh is fixedon a stand-off which is different in height respectively provided withan individual module.

[0007] Referring to the deployable truss mesh type, it is first requiredthat sufficient precision of a reflector is kept even if the reflectoris enlarged. It is also required that a reflector is rigid through it iskept light or lightened more. Further, the deploying and stowingoperation must be smooth and reliable. Furthermore, to realize effectivemodularization, linkage or detachment of modules must be facilitated.

[0008] At present an antenna approximately 5 to 30 {overscore (m)} indiameter is developed all over the world, however, in any case, thefrequency band is {overscore (L)} band.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a modulardeployable antenna which can handle a high-frequency wave whereinsufficient surface accuracy can be kept even if a reflector is enlarged,a reflector can be kept rigid through it is kept light or lightened moreand further deploying and stowing operation is smooth and reliable.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide aplane/line stowage trussed structure for mounting securely on the basestructure constituting a large plane as a whole.

[0011] The other object of the present invention is to provide a planestowage-type deployable truss for mounting securely on the basestructure with high rigidity and reliability of deployment which canconstruct a plane structure by combining several plane stowage-typedeployable trusses.

[0012] The other object different from the above-described of thepresent invention is to provide a line stowage-type deployable trusswith high rigidity and reliability of deployment which can construct aplane structure by combining several line stowage-type deployabletrusses.

[0013] The other object different from the above-described of thepresent invention is to provide a module linkage mechanism whichfacilitates attachment or detachment of modules even if the modules areconstituted complicatedly.

[0014] The other object different from the above-described of thepresent invention is to provide a holding release mechanism which canhold a movable object securely in a given position to prevent vibration,can release it securely in the home position and may not damage it whenreleased.

[0015] The other object different from the above-described of thepresent invention is provide a linked structure which can constitute astructure with curvature readily, is very rigid and has a simplestructure.

[0016] The other object different from the above-described of thepresent invention is to provide a deployable diagonal structure which iseffective for shearing or other force and can improve structuralstrength.

[0017] To achieve the above-described objects, the present inventionprovides a linked structure comprising two opposite parallel members;two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangle together bycoupling them to the above-described parallel members through a hinge;and a intermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge so that it isparallel to one of the above-described nonparallel members in the middleof each of the above-described parallel members wherein the distancebetween the the hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, theabove-described distance can be changed by constituting so that an endof one of above-described parallel members can be moved along an end ofcorresponding nonparallel member.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, theabove-described distance can be changed by extending or contracting theother nonparallel member.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, oneend of the further provided diagonal member is connected to the cornerof the above-described other nonparallel member, the other end isconnected to the above-described one nonparallel member through aslider, and the above-described slider can be moved along the axis ofthe above-described one nonparallel member.

[0021] To achieve the above-described objects, the present inventionprovides a deployable diagonal structure comprising two oppositelongitudinal members; and two diagonal members with a rotatableintersection for coupling the above-described two longitudinal memberswherein the above-described two diagonal members can be deployed orstowed as if they are separating or approating.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention,each end of the above-described two longitudinal members is coupled toeach end of the above-described two diagonal members and theabove-described two diagonal members are provided with a folding orunfolding portion respectively between the above-described intersectionand a connection point with one end of the above-described longitudinalmember.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention,each end of one of the above-described two longitudinal members iscoupled to each end of one of the above-described two diagonal membersand each end of the other of the above-described two diagonal members iscoupled to the above-described two longitudinal members so that they canbe moved along the axis.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention,each end of one of the above-described two longitudinal members iscoupled to each end of one of the above-described two diagonal members,the other end of one of the above-described two diagonal members iscoupled to the end of one of the above-described two longitudinalmembers, the one diagonal member is provided with a folding or unfoldingportion between the above-described intersection and a coupled portionwith the longitudinal member and the other end of the other of theabove-described two diagonal members is coupled to the other of theabove-described two longitudinal members so that it can be moved alongthe axis.

[0025] To achieve the above-described objects, the present inventionprovides a truncated hexagonal plane stowage-type deployable trusscomprising first six horizontal members forming a hexagon on one side;second six horizontal members forming a hexagon on the other side; sixlongitudinal members coupling each corresponding vertexes of a hexagonon one side and a hexagon on the other side; and six sides formed byadjacent longitudinal members and first and second horizontal memberswherein a set of opposite sides is constituted by a fixed frame, othersides are constituted by adjacent two sets of transformable frames anddeploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole when theabove-described one set of fixed frames separate or approach mutually.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, acentral longitudinal member is provided so that it may pierce thecenters of hexagons on one side and on the other side, a first radialmember coupling one side of this central longitudinal member and oneside of each longitudinal member located on each fixed frame isprovided, a second radial member coupling the other side of the centrallongitudinal member and the other side of each longitudinal memberlocated on each fixed frame is provided and the above-describedtransformable frame is constituted by the central longitudinal member, apair of the first and second radial members and correspondinglongitudinal members.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, afirst folding/unfolding member coupling one side of the centrallongitudinal member and one side of each longitudinal member located inthe center of the adjacent transformable frame is provided, a secondfolding/unfolding member coupling the other side of the centrallongitudinal member and the other side of each longitudinal memberlocated in the center of the adjacent transformable frame is provided,and the first and second folding/unfolding members are stretchedstraight when deployed and hold one or the other hexagon.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, acable is set on a diagonal of the above-described transformable frame,one end of the cable is constituted so that it can be wound and theother end is connected to the upper end or lower end of any longitudinalmember, and the above-described deploying/stowing operation is performedby transforming the above-described transformable frame by such winding.

[0029] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a truncated hexagonal plane stowage-type deployable trusscomprising first six horizontal members forming a hexagon on one side;second six horizontal member forming a hexagon on the other side; andsix longitudinal members coupling each corresponding vertex of a hexagonon one side and a hexagon on the other side and having six sides formedby adjacent longitudinal members and the first and second horizontalmembers wherein a set of opposite sides are constituted by fixed frames,the other sides are constituted by adjacent two sets of transformableframes and deploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole when theabove-described one set of fixed frames separate or approach mutually;and as the above-described transformable frame, also provides linkedstructures comprising two opposite parallel members; two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to theabove-described parallel members through a hinge: and a middle coupledmember coupled through a hinge so that it is parallel to one of theabove-described nonparallel members in the middle of each of theabove-described parallel members wherein distance between hinges for theother nonparallel member can be changed and wherein distance between thehinges can be changed by constituting so that one end of one of theabove-described parallel members can be moved along one end of thecorresponding nonparallel member.

[0030] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a truncated hexagonal plane stowage-type deployable trusscomprising first six horizontal members forming a hexagon on one side;second six horizontal members forming a hexagon on the other side; andsix longitudinal members coupling each corresponding vertex of a hexagonon one side and a hexagon on the other side and having six sides formedby adjacent longitudinal members and the first and second horizontalmembers wherein a set of opposite sides are constituted by fixed frames,the other sides are constituted adjacent two sets of transformableframes and deploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole when theabove-described one set of fixed frames separate or approach mutually;and as the above-described transformable frame, also provides oppositelinked structures comprising two opposite parallel members; two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by coupling to theabove-described parallel members through a hinge; and a middle coupledmember coupled through a hinge so that it is parallel to one of theabove-described nonparallel members in the middle of each of theabove-described parallel members wherein distance between hinges for theother nonparallel member can be changed, and distance between the hingescan be changed by constituting the other nonparallel member so that itcan be extended or shortened.

[0031] A preferred embodiment according the present invention provides atruncated hexagonal plane stowage-type deployable truss comprising firstsix horizontal members forming a hexagon on one side; second sixhorizontal members forming a hexagon on the other side; and sixlongitudinal members coupling each corresponding vertex of a hexagon onone side and a hexagon on the other side and having six sides formed byadjacent longitudinal members and the first and second horizontalmembers wherein a set of corresponding sides are constituted by fixedframes, the other sides are constituted by adjacent two sets oftransformable frames and deploying/stowing operation is performed as awhole when the above-described one set of fixed frames separate orapproach mutually; and as the above-described transformable frame, alsoprovides opposite linked structures comprising two opposite parallelmembers; two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangle by beingcoupled to the above-described parallel members through a hinge: and amiddle coupled member coupled through a hinge so that it is parallel toone of the above-described nonparallel members in the middle of each ofthe above-described parallel members wherein distance between hinges forthe other nonparallel member can be changed, further comprising oppositemembers of which other end is coupled to the above-described onenonparallel member through a slider the other end wherein one end iscoupled to the corner of the above-described other nonparallel memberand the above-described slider can be moved along the axis of theabove-described one nonparallel member. To achieve the above-describedobjects, the present invention provides a truncated pyramid linestowable-type deployable truss comprising first even horizontal membersforming a an even-numbered polygon on one side; second even horizontalmembers forming a an even-numbered polygon on the other side; and evenlongitudinal members coupling each corresponding vertex of a aneven-numbered polygon on one side and a an even-numbered polygon on theother side and having even sides formed by adjacent longitudinal membersand the first and second horizontal members wherein each of theabove-described first and second horizontal members is coupled to eachof the above-described longitudinal members so that it can swing alongeach side, at least every other side is constituted by a transformableframe and deploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole when eachlongitudinal member separate or approach mutually.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, acable is set on a diagonal of the above-described transformable frame,one end of the cable can be wound, the other end is connected to theupper or lower end of any longitudinal member and the above-describeddeploying/stowing operation is performed by transforming theabove-described transformable frame by winding.

[0033] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a truncated pyramid line stowage-type deployable trusscomprising first even horizontal members forming a an even-numberedpolygon on one side; second even horizontal members forming aneven-numbered polygon on the other side; and even longitudinal memberscoupling each corresponding vertex of an even-numbered polygon on oneside and an even-numbered polygon on the other side and having evensides formed by adjacent longitudinal members and the first and secondhorizontal members wherein each of the above-described first and secondhorizontal members is coupled to each of the above-describedlongitudinal members so that it can swing along each side, at leastevery other side is constituted by a transformable frame,deploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole when eachlongitudinal member separates or approaches mutually, and as theabove-described transformable frame, also provides a linked structurecomprising two opposite parallel members; two opposite nonparallelmembers forming a quadrangle by being coupled to the above-describedparallel members through a hinge; and a middle coupled member coupledthrough a hinge so that it is parallel to one of the above-describednonparallel members in the middle of each of the above-describedparallel members wherein distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed and distance between the hinges can bechanged by constituting so that one end of one the above-describedparallel members can be moved along one end of the correspondingnonparallel member.

[0034] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a truncated pyramid line stowage-type deployable trusscomprising first even horizontal members forming an even-numberedpolygon on one side; second even horizontal members forming aneven-numbered polygon on the other side; and even longitudinal memberscoupling each corresponding vertex of an even-numbered polygon on oneside and an even-numbered polygon on the other side and having evensides formed by adjacent longitudinal members and the first and secondhorizontal members wherein each of the above-described first and secondhorizontal members is coupled to each of the above-describedlongitudinal members so that it can swing along each side, at leastevery other side is constituted by a transformable frame anddeploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole when eachlongitudinal member separate or approach mutually, and as theabove-described transformable frame, also provides a linked structurecomprising two opposite parallel members; two opposite nonparallelmembers forming a quadrangle by being coupled to the above-describedparallel members through a hinge; and a middle coupled member coupledthrough a hinge so that it is parallel to one of the above-describednonparallel members in the middle of each of the above-describedparallel members wherein distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed and distance between the hinges can bechanged by constituting so that the other nonparallel member can beextended or shortened.

[0035] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a truncated pyramid line stowage-type deployable trusscomprising first even horizontal members forming an even-numberedpolygon on one side; second even horizontal members forming aneven-numbered polygon on the other side; and even longitudinal memberscoupling each corresponding vertex of an even-numbered polygon on oneside and an even-numbered polygon on the other side and having evensides formed by adjacent longitudinal members and the first and secondhorizontal members wherein each of the above-described first and secondhorizontal members is each of the above-described longitudinal membersso that it can swing along each side, at least every other side isconstituted by a transformable frame and deploying/stowing operation isperformed as a whole when each longitudinal member separate or approachmutually; and as the above-described transformable frame, also providesa linked structure comprising two opposite parallel members; twoopposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled tothe above-described parallel members through a hinge; and a middlecoupled member coupled through a hinge so that it is parallel to one ofthe above-described parallel members in the middle of each of theabove-described parallel members, further comprising opposite members ofwhich one end is coupled to the corner of the above-described othernonparallel member and of which the other end is coupled to theabove-described one nonparallel member through a slider wherein distancebetween hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed, and theabove-described slider is constituted so that it can be moved along theaxis of the above-described one nonparallel member.

[0036] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a truncated pyramid line stowage-type deployable trusscomprising first even horizontal members forming an even-numberedpolygon on one side; second even horizontal members forming aneven-numbered polygon on the other side; and even longitudinal memberscoupling each corresponding vertex of an even-numbered polygon on oneside and an even-numbered polygon on the other side and having evensides formed by adjacent longitudinal members and the first and secondhorizontal members wherein each of the above-described first and secondhorizontal members is coupled to each of the above-describedlongitudinal members so that it can swing along each side, at leastevery other side is constituted by a transformable frame, anddeploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole when eachlongitudinal member separate or approach mutually; and as theabove-described transformable frame, also provides a linked structurecomprising two opposite parallel members; two opposite nonparallelmembers forming a quadrangle by being coupled to the above-describedparallel members through a hinge; and a middle coupled member coupledthrough a hinge so that it is parallel to one of the above-describednonparallel members in the middle of each of the above-describedparallel members wherein distance between the hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed, and distance between the hinges canbe changed by constituting so that one end of one of the above-describedparallel members can be moved along one end of the correspondingnonparallel member. Further in the preferred embodiment, centrallongitudinal members piercing the centers of one even-numbered polygonand the other even-numbered polygon are provided, a first radial membercoupling one side of the central longitudinal member and one side of theabove-described other nonparallel member is provided, a second radialmember coupling the other side of the central longitudinal member andthe other side of the above-described other nonparallel member isprovided, and the above-transformable frame is constituted by thecentral longitudinal member, a pair of the first and second radialmembers and the corresponding longitudinal members.

[0037] To achieve the above-described objects, the present inventionprovides a plane/line stowage truss structure comprising planestowage-type deployable truss in which deploying/stowing operation isperformed as a whole when opposite fixed frames separate or approachmutually; line stowage-type deployable truss in which as a wholedeploying/stowing operation is performed radially with a stowageposition in the center wherein the above-described plane stowage-typedeployable truss and line stowage-type deployable truss are arranged sothat each other covers a portion which cannot be occupied, and as awhole they are constituted so that they have a plane expanse whendeployed.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, thebase structure is provided, the above-described plane stowage-typedeployable truss is coupled on the above-described base structurethrough the above-described fixed frame, plural plane stowage-typedeployable trusses are coupled in a row through respective fixed frames,and the above-described line stowage-type deployable truss is arrangedin distance between rows consisting of the above-described planestowage-type deployable trusses.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, oneor plural fixed trusses are provided, the above-described planestowage-type deployable truss is coupled to the above-described fixedtruss through the above-described fixed frame, plural plane stowage-typedeployable trusses are coupled in a row through respective fixed frames,and the above-described line stowage-type deployable truss is arrangedin distance between rows consisting of the above-described planestowage-type deployable trusses.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, theabove-described plane stowage-type deployable truss and theabove-described line stowage-type deployable truss are constituted bythe like of a truncated pyramid with even angles and as a whole they areconstituted so that they have a plane expanse when deployed.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, theabove-described plane stowage-type deployable truss and theabove-described line stowage-type deployable truss are constituted bythe like of a truncated pyramid with even angles and as a whole they areconstituted so that they have a curved expanse when deployed.

[0042] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a plane/line stowage truss structure comprising a planestowage-type deployable truss in which deploying/stowing operation isperformed as a whole when opposite fixed frames separate or approachmutually and a line stowage-type deployable truss in which as a wholedeploying/stowing operation is performed radially with a stowageposition in the center wherein the above-described plane stowage-typedeployable truss and line stowage-type deployable truss are arranged sothat each other covers a portion which cannot be occupied, and as awhole they are constituted so that they have a plane expanse whendeployed, and the above-described plane stowage-type deployable trussand the above-described line stowage-type deployable truss areconstituted by the like of a truncated pyramid with even angles and as awhole they are constituted so that they have a curved expanse whendeployed; as the above-described plane stowage-type deployable truss,also provides a truncated hexagonal plane stowage-type deployable trusscomprising first six horizontal members forming a hexagon on one side;second six horizontal members forming a hexagon on the other side; andsix longitudinal members coupling each corresponding vertex of thehexagon on one side and the hexagon on the other side and having sixsides formed by adjacent longitudinal members and the first and secondhorizontal members wherein a set of opposite sides are constituted byfixed frames, the other sides are constituted by adjacent two pairs oftransformable frames, and as a whole deploying/stowing operation isperformed when the above-described one set of fixed frames separate orapproach mutually: and as the above-described line stowage-typedeployable truss, further provides a truncated pyramid line stowage-typedeployable truss comprising first even horizontal members forming aeven-numbered polygon on one side; second even horizontal membersforming an even-numbered polygon on the other side; and evenlongitudinal members coupling each corresponding vertex of theeven-numbered polygon on one side and the even-numbered polygon on theother side and having even sides formed by adjacent longitudinal membersand the first and second horizontal members wherein each of theabove-described first and second horizontal members is coupled to eachof the above-described longitudinal members so that it can swing alongeach side, at least every other side is constituted by a transformableframe, and as a whole deploying/stowing operation is performed when eachlongitudinal member separate or approach mutually.

[0043] To achieve the above-described objects, the present inventionprovides a module linkage mechanism for linking basic modules oneanother and constituting a structure consisting of plural modules,comprising a coupled member of which end is free; and a coupling memberfor engaging with the above-described free end around opposite coupledmembers wherein each module is disposed in an opposite position, in theabove-described coupled member a coupling hole is provided at theposition corresponding to the coupling member, in the above-describedcoupling member a lock member with a coupling projection for engagingwith the above-described coupling hole is provided, a stopper member forstopping relative movement of the coupled member and the coupling memberin contact with the free end of the above-described coupled member whenthe above-described coupling projection is engaged with the couplinghole is provided.

[0044] To achieve the above-described objects, the present inventionprovides a holding/releasing mechanism for holding a movable on the basestructure fixedly or for releasing holding power for the movablecomprising a support arm of which base is coupled to the base structure;a push rod which is located at the end of the support arm and of whichend is coupled to the movable; and an intermediate link of which base iscoupled to the end of the above-described support arm so that theabove-described base can be turned and of which end is coupled to thebase of the above-described push rod so that the end can be turnedwherein at the end of the above-described intermediate link, acoupling/detaching means for coupling with the push rod or detachingfrom it is provided, the coupling/detaching means pulls the push rodtoward the base structure securely when the end of the above-describedintermediate link is turned on the side of the base of the support armwith the base as a support and holds the movable on the base structurefixedly, and coupling to the push rod is released when the end of theabove-described intermediate link is turned on the side of an extensionof the end of the support arm with the base as a support.

[0045] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a plane/line stowage truss structure comprising a planestowage-type deployable truss in which deploying/stowing operation isperformed as a whole when opposite fixed frames separate or approachmutually; and a line stowage-type deployable truss in whichdeploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole radially with aconvergent point in the center wherein the above-described planestowage-type deployable truss and line stowage-type deployable truss aredisposed so that each other covers a portion which cannot be occupied,and as a whole they are constituted so that they have a plane expansewhen deployed; and in order to couple the above-described planestowage-type deployable truss and line stowage-type deployable truss,also provides a module linkage mechanism for linking basic modules oneanother and constituting a structure consisting of plural modulescomprising a coupled member disposed in an opposite position of modulesof which end is free; and a coupling member for engaging with theabove-described free end around opposite coupled members wherein in theabove-described coupled member a coupling hole is provided in thecorresponding position to the coupling member, in the above-describedcoupling member a lock member with a coupling projection for engagingwith the above-described coupling hole is provided, a stopper member forstopping relative movement of the coupled member and the coupling memberin contact with the free end of the above-described coupled member whenthe coupling member is engaged with the coupling hole is provided.

[0046] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides a plane/line stowage truss structure comprising a planestowage-type deployable truss in which deploying/stowing operation isperformed as a whole when opposite fixed frames separate or approachmutually; and a line stowage-type deployable truss in whichdeploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole radially with aconvergent point in the center wherein the above-described planestowage-type deployable truss and line stowage-type deployable truss aredisposed so that each other covers a portion which cannot be occupied,and they are constituted so that they have a plane expanse as a wholewhen deployed; for the time when the above-described plane stowage-typedeployable truss and line stowage-type deployable truss are deployed,also provides a holding/releasing mechanism for holding a movable on thebase structure fixedly and releasing holding power for the movablecomprising a support arm of which base is coupled to the base structure;a push rod located at the end of the support arm of which end is coupledto the movable; and an intermediate link of which base is coupled to theend of the above-described support arm so that the base can be turnedand of which end is coupled to the base of the above-described push rodso that the end can be turned wherein at the end of the above-describedintermediate link a coupling/detaching means for coupling to ordetaching from the push rod is provided, the coupling/detaching meanspulls the push rod toward the base structure securely when the end ofthe above-described intermediate link is turned on the side of the baseof the support arm with the base as a support and holds the movable onthe base structure fixedly, and releases coupling to the push rod whenthe end of the above-described intermediate link is turned on the sideof an extension of the end of the support arm with the base as asupport.

[0047] To achieve the above-described objects, the present inventionprovides an approximate spherical structure wherein truncated hexagonalplural structures are coupled at their each side so that either or bothof the upper or/and lower face of each structure is/are like a sphericalsurface wherein the base structure constituted in the shape of atruncated regular hexagon of the above-described structures is providedand a radial position structure formed into the same spherical surfaceas a whole as structures ranged radially from each side of this basestructure is provided.

[0048] A preferred embodiment according to the present inventionprovides an approximate spherical structure wherein a truncatedhexagonal plural structures are coupled at their each side so thateither or both of the upper or/and lower face of each structure is/arelike a spherical surface, the base structure constituted in the shape ofa truncated regular hexagon of the above-described structures isprovided, and a radial position structure formed into the same sphericalsurface as a whole as structures ranged radially from each side of thisbase structure is provided; and as the above-described an approximatespherical structure, also provides a plane/line stowage truss structurecomprising a plane stowage-type deployable truss in whichdeploying/stowing operation is performed as a whole when opposite fixedframes separate or approach mutually; and a line stowage-type deployabletruss in which deploying/stowing operation is performed as a wholeradially with a stowage position in the center wherein theabove-described plane stowage-type deployable truss and linestowage-type deployable truss are disposed so that each other covers aportion which cannot be occupied, and they are constituted so that theyhave a plane expanse as a whole when deployed, the above-described planestowage-type deployable truss and line stowage-type deployable truss areconstituted in the shape of a truncated even-numbered polygon and theyare constituted so that they have a curved expanse as a whole whendeployed.

[0049] To achieve the above-described objects, the present inventionprovides a modular deployable antenna constituted by stretching mesh onan approximate spherical structure comprising an approximate sphericalstructure wherein truncated hexagonal plural structures are coupled attheir each side so that either or both of the upper or/and lower face ofeach structure is/are like a spherical surface, the base structureconstituted in the shape of a truncated regular hexagon of theabove-described structures is provided, and a radial position structureformed into the same spherical surface as a whole as structures rangedradially from each side of this base structure is provided; and as theabove-described an approximate spherical structure, also comprising aplane/line stowage truss structure comprising a plane stowage-typedeployable truss in which deploying/stowing operation is performed as awhole when opposite fixed frames separate or approach mutually; and aline stowage-type deployable truss in which deploying/stowing operationis performed as a whole radially with a stowage position in the centerwherein the above-described plane stowage-type deployable truss and linestowage-type deployable truss are disposed so that each other covers aportion which cannot be occupied and they are constituted so that theyhave a plane expanse as a whole when deployed, the above-described planestowage-type deployable truss and line stowage-type deployable truss areconstituted in the shape of a truncated even-numbered polygon and theyare constituted so that they have a curved expanse as a whole whendeployed.

[0050] The nature, principle and utility of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] In the accompanying drawings:

[0052]FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing showing a first embodiment of aplane stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 2 shows the folded state of a transformable frame.

[0054]FIG. 3 shows the deployed state of a transformable frame.

[0055]FIGS. 4A to 4F are explanatory drawings of detailed movement of atransformable frame.

[0056] FIGS. 5 to 7 show stowing process of a plane stowage-type truss.

[0057]FIGS. 8 and 9 show constitution in which plural plane stowage-typetrusses are coupled.

[0058]FIG. 10 is a perspective drawing showing a second embodiment of aplane stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0059]FIG. 11 is a perspective drawing showing a third embodiment of aplane stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0060]FIG. 12 shows a folded state of another transformable frame.

[0061]FIG. 13 shows a deployed state of another transformable frame.

[0062]FIG. 14 is a perspective drawing showing a fourth embodiment of aplane stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0063]FIG. 15 is a perspective drawing showing a plane stowage-typedeployable truss which is the result of the improved fourth embodiment.

[0064] FIGS. 16 to 18 show stowing process of a plane stowage-type trussaccording to a fourth embodiment.

[0065]FIG. 19 is a perspective drawing showing a fifth embodiment of aplane stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0066]FIG. 20 is a perspective drawing showing a sixth embodiment of aplane stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 21 is a perspective drawing showing a first embodiment of aline stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0068]FIG. 22 shows a folded state of a transformable frame.

[0069]FIG. 23 shows a deployed state of a transformable frame.

[0070]FIGS. 24 and 25 show stowing process of a line stowage-type trussaccording to a first embodiment.

[0071]FIG. 26 is a perspective drawing showing a second embodiment of aline stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0072]FIG. 27 shows an aspect of stowing process of a line stowage-typetruss according to a second embodiment.

[0073]FIG. 28 is a perspective drawing showing a third embodiment of aline stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0074]FIG. 29 shows an aspect of stowing process of a line stowage-typetruss according to a third embodiment.

[0075]FIG. 30 is a perspective drawing showing a fourth embodiment of aline stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0076]FIG. 31 shows a folded state of a transformable frame according toa fourth embodiment.

[0077]FIG. 32 shows a deployed state of a transformable frame accordingto a fourth embodiment.

[0078]FIG. 33 is a perspective drawing showing a fifth embodiment of aline stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0079]FIG. 34 is a perspective drawing showing a line stowage-typedeployable truss which is the result of the improved fifth embodiment.

[0080] FIGS. 35 to 38 show stowed process of a line stowage-type trussaccording to a fifth embodiment.

[0081]FIGS. 39A to 39E are explanatory drawings of detailed movement ofa transformable frame.

[0082]FIG. 40 is a perspective drawing showing a sixth embodiment of aline stowage-type deployable truss according to the present invention.

[0083]FIG. 41 show a first embodiment of a linked structure according tothe present invention.

[0084]FIGS. 42A to 42C show stowed process of a linked structureaccording to a first embodiment.

[0085]FIG. 43 shows a second embodiment of a linked structure accordingto the present invention.

[0086]FIGS. 44A to 44C show stowed process of a linked structureaccording to a second embodiment.

[0087]FIG. 45 shows a third embodiment of a linked structure accordingto the present invention.

[0088]FIGS. 46A to 46C show stowed process of a lined structureaccording to a third embodiment.

[0089]FIG. 47 shows a first embodiment of a deployable diagonalstructure according to the present invention.

[0090]FIGS. 48 and 49 show stowing process of a deployable diagonalstructure according to a first embodiment.

[0091]FIG. 50 is an explanatory drawing of the necessary condition ofstowage of a deployable diagonal structure according to a firstembodiment.

[0092]FIG. 51 shows an example of a foldable and unfoldable rotatinghinge of a deployable diagonal structure.

[0093]FIG. 52 shows another example of a foldable and unfoldablerotating hinge of a deployable diagonal structure.

[0094]FIG. 53 shows an example of a crossing rotary hinge of adeployable diagonal structure.

[0095]FIG. 54 shows another example of a crossing rotary hinge of adeployable diagonal structure.

[0096]FIG. 55 shows a second embodiment of a deployable diagonalstructure according to the present invention.

[0097]FIGS. 56 and 57 show stowing process of a deployable diagonalstructure according to a second embodiment.

[0098]FIG. 58 is an explanatory drawing of the necessary condition ofstowage of a deployable diagonal structure according to a secondembodiment.

[0099]FIG. 59 shows a first embodiment of an approximate sphericalstructure according to the present invention.

[0100]FIG. 60 is a perspective drawing showing a structure which is amodule of an approximate spherical structure.

[0101]FIG. 61 shows a second embodiment of an approximate sphericalstructure according to the present invention.

[0102]FIG. 62 is a plane drawing of an embodiment of a plane/linestowage truss structure according to the present invention.

[0103]FIG. 63 is a front view drawing a plane/line stowage trussstructure.

[0104]FIGS. 64 and 65 show a stowed state of a plane/line stowage trussstructure.

[0105]FIGS. 66A and 66B are plane drawings a modular deployable antennaaccording to the present invention adopting a truss of a fixedstructure.

[0106]FIG. 67 is a perspective drawing showing a first embodiment of amodule linkage mechanism according to the present invention.

[0107]FIG. 68 is an explanatory drawing of a coupled member of a modulelinkage mechanism according to a first embodiment.

[0108]FIGS. 69 and 70 are explanatory drawings of a coupling member of amodule linkage mechanism according to a first embodiment.

[0109]FIGS. 71A to 71D show coupling process of a module linkagemechanism according to a first embodiment.

[0110]FIG. 72 is a front view drawing of a second embodiment of a modulelinkage mechanism according to the present invention.

[0111]FIG. 73 is a plane drawing of a first embodiment of aholding/releasing mechanism according to the present invention.

[0112]FIGS. 74 and 75 show deploying process of a holding/releasingmechanism according to a first embodiment.

[0113]FIG. 76 is a plane drawing of a second embodiment of aholding/releasing mechanism according to the present invention.

[0114] FIGS. 77 to 79 show deploying process of a holding/releasingmechanism according to a second embodiment.

[0115]FIG. 80 is an explanatory drawing of a second embodiment of aholding/releasing mechanism according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0116] Embodiments according to the present invention will be describedin detail based upon drawings below.

[0117] First, two types of deployable trusses, that is, a planestowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable trusswhich are a structural basis of a modular deployable antenna accordingto the present invention will be described below.

[0118] First, a plane stowage-type deployable truss will be described.

[0119] FIGS. 1 to 9 are explanatory drawings of a first embodiment of aplane stowage-type deployable truss.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 1, a plane stowage-type deployable truss 10 canbe deployed in a truncated hexagon. That is, a hexagon is formed byfirst six horizontal members 11 provided on one side, another regularhexagon is formed by second six horizontal members 12 provided on theother side, and longitudinal members 13 are constituted so that they cancouple each vertex of hexagons on one and the other sides. Six sides areformed in the shape of a trapezoid by adjacent longitudinal members 13and the first and second horizontal members 11 and 12.

[0121] A set of opposite sides in the plane stowage-type deployabletruss 10 are constituted by fixed frames 10 a and other sides areconstituted by two sets of transformable frames 10 b disposed so thatthey are adjacent. The fixed frame 10 a is constituted by coupling thefirst and second horizontal members 11 and 12 to a longitudinal member13 fixedly. The transformable frame 10 b is constituted by coupling thefirst and second horizontal members 11 and 12 to each longitudinalmember 13 so that they can swing along each side on which they exist.

[0122] A parallel swing member 19 for swinging the first and secondhorizontal members 11 and 12 holding them in parallel is provided foreach transformable frame 10 b and a slider 18 is provided so that it canbe moved along the axis for the longitudinal member 13 located in thecenter of the adjacent transformable frame 10 b.

[0123] The parallel swing member 19 is arranged in parallel to thelongitudinal member 13 nearest to the fixed frame 10 a adjacent to thetransformable frame 10 b. The parallel swing member 19 is coupled to thefirst and second horizontal members 11 and 12 so that it can swing alongeach side constituting a transformable frame 10 b. One end of the secondhorizontal member 12 in the transformable frame 10 b is coupled to aslider 18 so that it can swing. However, the direction in which thesecond horizontal member 12 can swing is the one along each sideconstituting the transformable frame 10 b. The slider 18 may also beprovided on one side (on the upper side in the drawing) and the firsthorizontal member 11 in the transformable frame 10 b may be coupled to aslider 18 so that it can swing.

[0124] Next, referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, deployment motion of a planestowage-type deployable truss 10 constituted as described above will bedescribed below.

[0125] First, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, movement of the transformableframe 10 b will be described. FIG. 2 shows the transformable frame 10 bin a folded state and FIG. 3 shows the transformable frame 10 b in adeployed state. That is, when a slider 18 is moved on one side (on theupper side in the drawing) along a longitudinal member 13 from adeployed state shown in FIG. 3, the first horizontal member 11 and thesecond horizontal member 12 approach with each other kept in paralleldue to a parallel swing member 19. A longitudinal member 13 on the sideof the transformable frame 10 b (a longitudinal member 13 with a slider18) and a longitudinal member 13 on the side of the fixed frame 10 aapproach, shifting upward or downward, and the transformable frame isfolded as shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 4A to 4F show the process in detail.The swinging angle of the first and second horizontal members 11 and 12is decided depending upon the position of a slider 18 uniquely.Therefore, if a slider 18 can be fixed in a predetermined position by astopper, for example, the transformable frame can be fixed in a foldedor deployed state.

[0126] Even if a slider 18 is moved on the other side (on the down sidein the drawing) along a longitudinal member 13 from in the deployedstate shown in FIG. 3 though not shown in FIGS. 2 to 4F, the first andsecond horizontal members 11 and 12 approach with each other kept inparallel, and a longitudinal member 13 on the side of the transformableframe 10 b and a longitudinal member 13 on the side of the fixed frame10 a approach, shifting upward or downward. However, a longitudinalmember 13 on the side of the transformable frame 10 b is located in thelower position than a longitudinal member 13 on the side of the fixedframe 10 a.

[0127] FIGS. 5 to 7 show overall movement of the plane stowage-typedeployable truss 10. A longitudinal member 13 on the side of the fixedframe 10 a and a longitudinal member 13 on the side of the transformableframe 10 b approach by moving a slider 18 downward and the planestowage-type deployable truss 10 is completely folded as shown in FIG. 7after the state being folded shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 from the deployedstate shown in FIG. 1. At this time, opposite fixed frames 10 aapproach, moving in parallel from the plane view and are almost close ina completely folded state.

[0128] As in the plane stowage-type deployable truss 10 constituted asdescribed above, fixed frames 10 a consisting of adjacent longitudinalmembers 13 and the first and second horizontal members 11 and 12 areconfronted, for example, mounting on the base structure can be performedreadily and securely via a fixed frame 10 a. That is, mounting securelyon the base structure can be performed readily. In addition, as thetruss is formed in the shape of a truncated hexagon, a curved expansecan be constituted readily by linking plural trusses. That is, a curvedsurface in a circular arc can be constituted by coupling via a fixedframe 10 a as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0129] Next, referring to FIG. 10, a second embodiment of the planestowage-type deployable truss will be described below. However, the samereference number is assigned to the same component as the one in a firstembodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the description will be simplified.

[0130] A central longitudinal member 15 is provided piercing the centerof a hexagon on one side or on the other side as shown in FIG. 10. Afirst radial member 16 a is provided by linking the central longitudinalmember 15 on one side and a longitudinal member 13 on one side locatedin each fixed frame 10 a. A second radial member 16 b is provided bylinking the central longitudinal member 15 on the other side and alongitudinal member 13 on the other side located in each fixed frame 10a. Further, a central longitudinal member 15 is provided with a centralslider 14 which can be moved in the direction of the axis.

[0131] The above-described first and second radial members 16 a and 16 bare coupled to a longitudinal member 13 and the central longitudinalmember 15 along a plane including a line segment connecting the centerof the first horizontal member 11 and the center of the secondhorizontal member 12 located in a fixed frame 10 a and the centrallongitudinal member 15 so that they can swing. However, one end of thesecond radial member 16 b is coupled to the central slider 14 so that itcan swing and is coupled to the central longitudinal member 15 via thiscentral slider 14. The central slider 14 may be disposed on one side (onthe upper side in the drawing) of a central longitudinal member 15 andthe first radial member 16 a may be coupled to the central slider 14.

[0132] Further, a first intermediate radial member 17 a is provided bylinking the central longitudinal member 15 on one side and the center ofthe first horizontal member 11 located in each fixed frame 10 a. Asecond intermediate radial member 17 b is provided by linking thecentral longitudinal member 15 on the other side and the center of thesecond horizontal member 12 located in each fixed frame 10 a.

[0133] The above-described first and second intermediate radial members17 a and 17 b are coupled to each of the first and second horizontalmembers 11 and 12 and the central longitudinal member 15 along a planeincluding the first and second intermediate radial members 17 a and 17 band the central longitudinal member 15 so that they can swing. However,one end of the second intermediate radial member 17 b is coupled to thecentral slider 14 so that it can swing and coupled to the centrallongitudinal member 15 via this central slider 14. The central slider 14may be disposed on one side (on the upper side in the drawing) of thecentral longitudinal member 15 and the first intermediate radial member17 a may be coupled to the central slider 14.

[0134] The first and second intermediate radial members 17 a and 17 bare provided with a parallel swing member 19 linking them. The parallelswing member 19 in this case is disposed in parallel to the planeforming a fixed frame 10 a and is provided so that it can swing in thesame direction as the first and second intermediate radial members 17 aand 17 b.

[0135] In the plane stowage-type deployable truss constituted asdescribed above, a transformable frame 10 b is constituted by the firstand second intermediate radial members 17 a and 17 b, the parallel swingmembers 19 and the central longitudinal member 15 and it changes in thesame manner as the transformable frame 10 b located on a side as shownin FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0136] As each vertex of a hexagon located on the fixed frame 10 a isreinforced by the first and second radial members 16 a and 16 b and thecentral longitudinal member 15, deployment and folding can be performedsmoothly even if external force is applied. In addition, as oppositefixed frames 10 a are coupled by the first and second radial members 16a and 16 b, the first and second intermediate radial members 17 a and 17b and the central longitudinal member 15 when deployed, strength offixed frames 10 a in the opposite direction can be enhanced. Therefore,many can be coupled via fixed frames 10 a.

[0137] Next, referring to FIG. 11, a third embodiment of the planestowage-type deployable truss will be described below. However, the samereference number is assigned to the same component as the one shown inFIG. 10 and the description will be simplified. The point in whichcomponents in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11 are different fromthose shown in FIG. 10 is that a first and second folding/unfoldingmember 20 a and 20 b are provided.

[0138] That is, the first folding/unfolding member 20 a is provided bylinking the central longitudinal member 15 on one side and eachlongitudinal member 13 on one side located in the center of adjacenttransformable frames 10 b. The second folding/unfolding member 20 b isprovided by linking the central longitudinal member 15 on the other sideand each longitudinal member 13 on the other side located in the centerof adjacent transformable frames 10 a. The first and secondfolding/unfolding member 20 a and 20 b are extended straight, holding ahexagon on one side or on the other side when deployed.

[0139] The plane stowage-type deployable truss constituted as describedabove has an advantage that all vertexes of a hexagon on one side or onthe other side can be reinforced.

[0140] An elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 and anelongating/shortening central longitudinal member 23 may be provided asshown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in place of a combination of a longitudinalmember 13 and a slider 18 and the central longitudinal member 15 and thecentral slider 14 provided in the above-described embodiment.

[0141] The elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 comprises acylindrical portion 22 c, a rod-like portion 22 b engaged with thecylindrical portion 22 c so that it can be moved along the axis and acompression spring 22 c for pushing out the rod-like portion 22 b asshown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The elongating/shortening central longitudinalmember 23 is also constituted in the same manner as theelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22.

[0142] The first horizontal member 11 is coupled to the cylindricalportion 22 a and the second horizontal member 12 is to the rod-likeportion 22 b. The elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 andelongating/shortening central longitudinal member 23 may be providedreversely on the upper and lower sides in the drawing, the secondhorizontal member 12 may be coupled to the cylindrical portion 22 a andthe first horizontal member 11 may be coupled to the rod-like portion 22c.

[0143] In the deployable truss provided with the elongating/shorteninglongitudinal member 22 and elongating/shortening central longitudinalmember 23 constituted as described above, a stowed state can bemaintained by holding in a shortened state shown in FIG. 12 by a stoppernot shown. The truss can be automatically deployed with the compressionspring 22 c by releasing the stopper when an artificial satellitereaches space.

[0144] Also in the truss provided with the central slider 14 and sliders18 described above, it is desirable that the central slider 14 andsliders 18 are moved by a spring and the truss can be automaticallydeployed.

[0145] As this plane stowage-type deployable truss is provided withopposite fixed frames and this fixed frame is constituted by adjacentlongitudinal members and the first and second horizontal members, forexample mounting on the base structure can be performed readily andsecurely via fixed frames. That is, mounting securely on the basestructure can be performed readily. As the truss is formed into atruncated hexagon, a curved expanse can be readily constituted bylinking plural trusses.

[0146]FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of the plane stowage-typedeployable truss. A reference number 18 designates a slider for movingone end of a bottom member along a longitudinal member with a spring fordeployment. A reference number 13 denotes a longitudinal member, 19 aparallel swinging longitudinal member for synchronizing with top andbottom members and 25 a motor for winding a stowing cable. A referencenumber 26 denotes a stowing cable, 27 a pulley through which the cable26 passes and the pulley is mounted at one end of a longitudinal member.A reference number 28 denotes termination of the cable 26 and 10 aopposite fixed frames.

[0147] The plane stowage-type deployable truss is kept in a deployedstate by force of a spring mounted on a slider 18 in a natural state.The truss is stowed with the whole folded by winding the cable 26 in thedirection shown by an arrow in the drawing. In shift from a stowed stateto a deployed state, the motor 25 is reversely rotated and the woundcable 26 is gradually released.

[0148]FIG. 15 shows the result of the improved fourth embodiment, thestowing cable 26 is divided into two and each is wound by drive ofindividual motor 25. Therefore, two pulleys 27 through which each cable26 passes are required and an effect of friction on the pulleys isreduced.

[0149] FIGS. 16 to 18 show a process of stowing of the planestowage-type deployable truss according to a fourth embodiment and showthe procedure of folding. As the stowing cable 26 is wound in thedirection shown by an arrow by the motor 25, a longitudinal member 13 ispushed down relatively, opposite fixed frames 10 a are pulled uprelatively without changing their forms, approach and finally parallel,and stowing is completed. At that time, a slider 18 goes down along alongitudinal member 13 against force of the spring for deployment.

[0150]FIG. 19 shows a fifth embodiment of the plane stowage-typedeployable truss, and in the embodiment, a central longitudinal member15, a radial member 16, an intermediate radial member 17 and a parallelswing member 19 which couples the upper and lower intermediate radialmembers 17 and is parallel to the fixed frame 10 a are added to thedeployable truss structure according to the above-described fourthembodiment.

[0151] In such a plane stowage-type deployable truss, as a cabledisposed diagonally on a side of a truncated hexagon including slides ofwhich one end is connected to a motor with a windable mechanism and ofwhich the other end passes through a pulley mounted on the upper orlower end of any longitudinal member is used, a folded state with highefficiency of stowing can be realized by disposing the cable so that thelongitudinal member is enclosed by the cable and winding the cable bythe motor. Further, as stowing driving force is scattered by disposingthe cable around, the effect that synchronous smooth stowing operationof members is enabled can be obtained.

[0152]FIG. 20 shows a sixth embodiment of the plane stowage-typedeployable truss and in the embodiment the truss is constituted so thatit is deployed in a truncated hexagon. At the corner of the hexagon, afirst horizontal member 11, a second horizontal member 12 andlongitudinal members 13 are disposed. That is, the upper hexagon isformed by the first horizontal member 11, the lower hexagon is formed bythe second horizontal member 12 and longitudinal members 13 are disposedto couple each vertex of the upper and lower hexagons.

[0153] A set of opposite sides of the plane stowage-type deployabletruss are surrounded by fixed frames 10 a formed by the first and secondhorizontal members 11 and 12, longitudinal members 13 and a diagonalbracing member 34. In the meantime, the side between the fixed frames 10a is surrounded by a transformable frame 10 b formed by the first andsecond horizontal members 11 and 12 which can swing each other andlongitudinal members 13.

[0154] A central longitudinal member 15 is provided piercing the centerof the upper and lower hexagons. A radial member 16 is provided tocouple both ends of the central longitudinal member 15 and both ends oflongitudinal members located on each fixed frame 10 a. Further, anintermediate radial member 17 is provided to couple both ends of thecentral longitudinal member 15 and each center between the first andsecond horizontal members located on each fixed frame 10 a.

[0155] The first and second horizontal members 11 and 12 forming thetransformable frame 10 b are coupled to longitudinal members 13 so thatthey can swing along a plane constituting the transformable frame 10 b.The radial member 16 is coupled to a longitudinal member 13 and thecentral longitudinal member 15 so that it can swing along a planeconstituted by the upper and lower intermediate radial members 17 andthe central longitudinal member 15. Further, the intermediate radialmember 17 is coupled to the first or the second horizontal member 11 or12 and the central longitudinal member 15 so that it can swing along theplane constituted by the upper and lower intermediate radial members 17and the central longitudinal member 15.

[0156] The central longitudinal member 15 and a longitudinal member 13located in the center of adjacent transformable frames 10 b are providedwith a slider 18 so that the slider can be moved in the axial direction.Each slider 18 supports one end of the second horizontal member 12 andone end of a radial member 16 and an intermediate radial member 17 onthe bottom.

[0157] Further, a parallel swing member 19 is provided to couple thefirst horizontal member 11 and the second horizontal member 12. Thisparallel swing member 19 is disposed in parallel to longitudinal members13 located on a fixed frame 10 a and coupled to the first horizontalmember 11 and the second horizontal member 12 so that the parallel swingmember can swing. The parallel swing member 19 also couples intermediateradial members on the top and bottom. In this case, the parallel swingmember 19 is disposed in parallel to a plane forming a fixed frame 10 aand coupled to intermediate radial members 17 on the top and bottom sothat they can swing. “W” in FIG. 20 denotes a wire for moving a slider18. Movement of the transformable frame 10 b and the plane stowage-typedeployable truss 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment shownin FIGS. 2 to 7.

[0158] Next, a line stowage-type deployable truss will be describedbelow. FIGS. 21 to 25 are explanatory drawings of a first embodiment ofa line stowage-type deployable truss.

[0159] In FIG. 21, the line stowage-type deployable truss 40 is in atruncated hexagon when it is deployed. On one side (the upper side inthe drawing), first six horizontal members 11 forming each side of thehexagon (even-numbered polygon) are provided and on the other side (thelower side in the drawing), second six horizontal members 12 formingeach side are provided. A longitudinal member 13 is provided to coupleeach vertex of a hexagon on one side or on the other side. The linestowage-type deployable truss is provided with three transformableframes 10 b and frames 10 c formed by adjacent longitudinal members 13,first and second horizontal members 11 and 12.

[0160] The above-described first and second horizontal members 11 and 12are coupled to one end or the other end of each longitudinal member 13respectively so as to swing freely along each transformable frame 10 band 10 c. The longitudinal member 13 comprises a fixed longitudinalmember 21 for maintaining distance between the first and secondhorizontal members 11 and 12 fixedly and an elongating/shorteninglongitudinal member 22 for changing distance between the first andsecond horizontal members 11 and 12, and such fixed longitudinal member21 and elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 are disposedalternately in the circumferential direction.

[0161] The elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 comprises acylindrical portion 22 a, a rod-like portion 22 b engaged with thecylindrical portion 22 a so that it can be moved in the axial directionand a compression spring 22 c for pushing out the rod-like portion 22 bas shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0162] Further, a parallel swing member 19 is provided on one side (onthe left side in the drawing) of the elongating/shortening longitudinalmember 22. The parallel swing member 19 is coupled to the first andsecond horizontal members 11 and 12 so that it can swing on a plane ofthe transformable frame 10 b and disposed in parallel to the fixedlongitudinal member 21.

[0163] In this line stowage-type deployable truss 40, a transformableframe 10 b may also be constituted in the manner shown in FIGS. 2 and 3without an elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 25, deployment/stowage motion of theline stowage-type deployable truss 40 constituted as described abovewill be described below. First, movement of a transformable frame 10 bwill be described. FIG. 22 shows the transformable frame 10 b in afolded state and FIG. 23 shows the transformable frame 10 b in adeployed state. That is, when an elongating/shortening member 22 isstowed from a deployed state shown in FIG. 23, first and secondhorizontal members 11 and 12 approach, kept in parallel each other by aparallel by a parallel swing member 19. Then, a fixed longitudinalmember 21 and an elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 approach,swinging and they are in a folded state as shown in FIG. 22. At thistime, a swinging angle of the first and second horizontal members 11 and12 is uniquely decided depending upon the length of theelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 in the axial direction.

[0165] A folded state is maintained by holding the state in which theelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 is contracted with astopper not shown, each elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 isexpanded with force produced by a compression spring 22 c by removingthis stopper with a wire not shown, and the truss is deployed. Further,if the length of the elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 can bekept given by the stopper in a deployed state, the truss can be kept ina deployed state.

[0166] If the elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 is furtherexpanded from a deployed state shown in FIG. 23 though such a case isnot shown in a drawing, the first and second horizontal members 11 and12 also approach, kept in parallel each other and then, the fixedlongitudinal member 21 and the elongating/shortening longitudinal member22 approach, swinging. However, the elongating/shortening longitudinalmember 22 is located lower in the drawing than the fixed longitudinalmember 21.

[0167] Next, as from a viewpoint as a whole of the line stowage-typedeployable truss 40, an elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 anda fixed longitudinal member 21 are alternately arranged, anelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 and a fixed longitudinalmember 21 approach, shifting alternately on one side and on the otherside by shortening each elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22,and as a result, all members comprising the first and second horizontalmembers 11 and 12, an elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 and afixed longitudinal member 21 stow in the center of a hexagon. That is,the truss is in a folded state in the shape of a rod as shown in FIG. 25through a state in which the truss is being folded as shown in FIG. 24.

[0168] When the stopper not shown above is removed, theelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 gradually expands naturallyin the radial direction shown in FIG. 24 and the truss is in a deployedstate in the shape of a truncated hexagon as shown in FIG. 21.

[0169] According to the line stowage-type deployable truss constitutedas described above, as all members comprising the first and secondhorizontal members 11 and 12, the fixed longitudinal member 21 and theelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 are not provided with afolding and unfolding portion inside them, deployment cannot bechangeable due to failure of synchronization caused by each folding andunfolding portion and therefore, stowing and deployment can be performedsmoothly. In addition, as no folding and unfolding portion exists, nolowering of strength which is liable to occur in the portion also existsand a strong truss can be obtained.

[0170] Next, referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, a second embodiment of theline stowage-type deployable truss will be described below. However, thesame reference number is assigned to components common to those in thefirst embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 to 25 and the description issimplified.

[0171] In this embodiment a central longitudinal member 15 is providedpiercing the center of hexagons on one side and on the other side asshown in FIG. 26. A first radial member 16 a coupling the centrallongitudinal member 15 on one side and each elongating/shorteninglongitudinal member 22 on one side is provided, and a second radialmember 16 b coupling the central longitudinal member 15 on the otherside and each elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 on the otherside is provided. A parallel swing member 19 disposed in parallel to thecentral longitudinal member 15 is coupled to these first and secondradial members 16 a and 16 b. These first and second radial members 16 aand 16 b and the parallel swing member 19 are coupled so that they canswing along at least a plane containing these.

[0172] In the line stowage-type deployable truss 40 constituted asdescribed above, a plane containing the first and second radial members16 a and 16 b is as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. However, the centrallongitudinal member 15 is disposed in place of the fixed longitudinalmember 21, and the first and second radial members 16 a and 16 b aredisposed in place of the first and second horizontal members 11 and 12.Therefore, an swinging angle of the first and second radial members 16 aand 16 b to the central longitudinal member 15 is uniquely decideddepending upon the length of the elongating/shortening member 22. Thefirst and second radial members 16 a and 16 b converge in the center ofa hexagon by shortening the elongating/shortening longitudinal member22. However, as in this embodiment the central longitudinal member 15 isprovided in the center of a hexagon, the truss is folded in the shape ofa rod as shown in FIG. 25 with the central longitudinal member 15 in thecenter when folded. However, FIG. 27 shows an transient state betweendeployment and folding.

[0173] In a deployed state, the rigidity of a hexagon in the radialdirection is enhanced by the first and second radial members 16 a and 16b and the central longitudinal member 15 as shown in FIG. 26, and thewhole strength can be enhanced.

[0174] Next, referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, a third embodiment of theline stowage-type deployable truss will be described below. However, thesame reference number is assigned to components common to those in thesecond embodiment shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 and the description issimplified. This third embodiment is different from the secondembodiment in that a parallel swing member 19 is provided on both sidesof an elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22.

[0175] That is, the parallel swing member 19 is provided not only on oneside (on the left side in the drawing) of an elongating/shorteninglongitudinal member 22 but on the other side (on the right side in thedrawing). Therefore, a transformable frame 10 b on the other side of anelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 is also constituted asshown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0176] The line stowage-type deployable truss constituted as describedabove is in a stowed state as shown in FIG. 25 or in a deployed state asshown in FIG. 28 through a transient state as shown in FIG. 29 byexpansion or contraction of an elongating/shortening longitudinal member22. As deployment force occurs on all the first and second horizontalmembers 11 and 12 by elongation or shortening of anelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22, stowing and deployment canbe performed smoothly. All transformable frames 10 b is uniquely decideddepending upon the length of each elongating/shortening longitudinalmember 22.

[0177] In the line stowage-type deployable truss 40 according to thefirst embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the parallel swing member 19 may alsobe provided on both sides of an elongating/shortening longitudinalmember 22.

[0178] Next, referring to FIGS. 30 to 32, a fourth embodiment of theline stowage-type deployable truss will be described below. However, thesame reference number is assigned to components common to those in thethird embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 and the description issimplified.

[0179] In this embodiment, a diagonal member 41 is provided on eachplane containing each transformable frame 10 b and each first and secondradial members 16 a and 16 b. One end of this diagonal member 41 iscoupled to the corner of a transformable frame 10 b on the side of anelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 and the other end iscoupled to a fixed longitudinal member 21 through a slider. One end ofthe diagonal member is coupled to the corner on the side of anelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 on each plane containing afirst and second radial members 16 a and 16 b and the other end iscoupled to the central longitudinal member 15 through a slider 18.

[0180] Each diagonal member 41 is coupled so that it can swing on eachplane containing at least a transformable frame 10 b and a first andsecond radial members 16 a and 16 b, and when deployed, each diagonalmember exists in the diagonal direction on a plane containing thetransformable frame 10 b and the above-described each plane. The slider18 is constituted so that it can be moved along the fixed longitudinalmember 21 or the central longitudinal member 15.

[0181] In the line stowage-type deployable truss 40 constituted asdescribed above, each plane containing the transformable frame 10 b andthe first and second radial members 16 a and 16 b is as shown in FIGS.31 and 32. That is, the truss is folded as shown in FIG. 31 bycontraction of the elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22. At thistime, the slider 18 is moved upward in the drawing along the fixedlongitudinal member 21 or the central longitudinal member 15. When theelongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 is elongated from thisstate, the truss is deployed as shown in FIG. 32 and the slider 18 ismoved at the bottom in the drawing of the fixed longitudinal member 21or the central longitudinal member 15.

[0182] Therefore, in the line stowage-type deployable truss 40constituted as described above, as a diagonal member 41 functions as adiagonal beam on each plane containing a transformable frame 10 b and afirst and second radial members 16 a and 16 b, strength in a deployedstate can be enhanced.

[0183] In each embodiment described above, an elongating/shorteninglongitudinal member 22 is constituted by a cylindrical portion 22 a anda rod-like portion 22 b so that it can be elongated or shortened,however, an elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22 may beconstituted as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0184] In each embodiment described above, a first and second radialmembers 16 a and 16 b are coupled to the central longitudinal member 15and an elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22, however a first andsecond radial members may be coupled to the central longitudinal member15 and a fixed longitudinal member 21. However, the first and secondradial members 16 a and 16 b coupled to the central longitudinal member15 and a fixed longitudinal member 22 cannot be coupled to a parallelswing member 19. That is, in case a parallel swing member 19 isprovided, it is required that either of a longitudinal member 13 or thecentral longitudinal member 15 are constituted so that it can beelongated or shortened and a parallel swing member 19 is disposed inparallel to the member which cannot be elongated or shortened.

[0185] Further, a first and second radial members 16 a and 16 b may becoupled to the central longitudinal member 15 and a fixed longitudinalmember 21 in place of being coupled to the central longitudinal member15 and an elongating/shortening longitudinal member 22. In this case, aparallel swing member 19 can be coupled to a first and second radialmembers 16 a and 16 b by constituting the central longitudinal member 15so that it can be elongated or shortened.

[0186] According to the line stowage-type deployable truss, asdeployment can be performed without a folding and unfolding portion inthe middle of a first and second horizontal members and a longitudinalmember, unstable folding or unfolding caused by incompletesynchronization in each folding and unfolding portion cannot occur, andfolding and deployment can be performed smoothly. In addition, as nofolding and unfolding portion exists, no lowering of strength which isliable in a folding and unfolding portion exists and a truss excellentalso in strength can be obtained. Further, as the truss is deployed inthe shape of a truncated hexagon, a curved expanse as a whole can beobtained readily by coupling the sides.

[0187] In the case of the truss with a first and second radial members,strength in the radial direction in a deployed state can be enhanced.That is, the rigidity of a even-numbered polygon on one side and on theother side can be enhanced and the whole strength can be enhanced.

[0188] Further, in the case of the truss with diagonal members, as sucha diagonal member functions as a diagonal beam on a plane containing afirst and second radial members and on each side, strength in a deployedstate can be enhanced.

[0189]FIG. 33 is a schematic view showing a line stowage-type deployabletruss according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention whereinreference number 18 denotes a slider for moving slidably either end of alower surface member along a longitudinal member 13 and having a springfor the energization in the direction along which the longitudinalmember deploys, 19 a parallel swing member for synchronizing thebehavior of an upper surface member with that of the lower surfacemember, 25 a motor for furling a stowage cable 26, 27 a pulley portionthrough which the cable 26 passes and which is attached to an end of thelongitudinal member, and 28 a terminal of the cable 26, respectively.The present deployable truss structure is in a deployed state under thenatural state due to the force of the spring mounted on the slider 18.When the cable 26 is furled in the direction indicated by the arrow inthe figure, the present deployable truss is stowed in a manner the wholeof which is folded. In the case when the truss shifts from the stowedstate to the deployed state, the furled cable 26 is gradually releasedby rotating reversely the motor. Though there is a fear of progressingabruptly the deployment behavior in the case where a spring whichenables the deployment behavior is mounted on the slider 18, thedeployment behavior can be controlled by gradually releasing the cablewhich has been furled.

[0190]FIG. 34 illustrates an improved line stowage-type deployable trusswherein a stowing cable 26 is divided into two sections and each ofwhich is furled by only one motor 25 in the same direction. According tosuch arrangement as described above, the respective cables 26, 26 passthrough two pulley portions 27, 27, whereby the influence of friction inthe pulley portions 27, 27 decreases, so that the synchronous behavior,in the deployment and the stowage, of the right and left truss memberscenterring around the section of the furling motor 25 is improved.

[0191]FIGS. 35 through 38 show stowing behavior of the deployable trussstructure according to the fifth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 33wherein the respective states in which the deployable truss structure issuccessively folded in the order of FIGS. 35, 36, 37, and 38 areillustrated. More specifically, with furling of the stowage cable 26 inthe direction of the arrow by means of the motor 25, the whole of thetruss structure is folded in a such a fashion that a certainlongitudinal member 13 is relatively depressed, while the adjacentlongitudinal member is relatively pulled up. In this case, the slider 18descends along the longitudinal member 13 against the force of adeploying spring.

[0192]FIGS. 39A through 39E illustrate stowing behavior of onetransformable frame section of the above described deployable trusswherein the respective states in which the transformable frame sectionis successively folded in the order of FIGS. 39A, 39B, 39C, 39D, and 39Eare illustrated. More specifically, a parallel swing member 19 keepsalways a parallel relation with respect to a longitudinal member whichis not provided with a slider 18 in a process wherein the slider 18descends to thereby folding the side thereof, and as a consequence, theupper surface member corresponding to the upper side of the side of thedeployable truss becomes parallel to the lower surface membercorresponding to the lower side of the side of the aforesaid trussthereby making the behavior of stowage smooth, besides the rigidity ofthe deployable truss during the stowage thereof is elevated.

[0193]FIG. 40 is a schematic view illustrating the line stowage-typedeployable truss according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention wherein a central longitudinal member 15, a radial member 16,and a parallel swing member 19 disposed in parallel to a longitudinalmember 13 having no slider are additionally provided to the componentsof the above described fifth embodiment. The deployably stowing methodof the truss in the sixth embodiment is essentially the same as that ofthe fifth embodiment.

[0194] Now, a link structure used in the transformable frame of theabove-mentioned plane stowage-type deployable truss and the linestowage-type deployable truss will collectively be describedhereinbelow.

[0195]FIG. 41 and FIGS. 42A, 42B, and 42C are schematic views eachshowing the link structure according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the link structure 51 shown in FIG. 41 ischaracterized by the construction in which two parallel members 52 and53 being opposed in parallel to each other are linked to two nonparallelmembers 54 and 55 being opposed in nonparallel to each other throughhinges 56, respectively, so as to form a tetragonal configuration, andan intermediate link member 57 which is linked to the intermediateportions of the aforesaid respective parallel members 52 and 53 throughhinges 56, 56, respectively, and which is disposed in parallel to thenonparallel member 54 of the aforesaid nonparallel members 54 and 55,while an distance defined between the hinges 56 and 56 on the othernonparallel member 55 is made variable. In other words, since the othernonparallel member 55 is constructed in an expandable fashion, thedistance defined between the hinges 56 and 56 is variable.

[0196] The aforesaid parallel members 52, 53, nonparallel members 54, 55and the intermediate link member 57 are disposed so as to along a plane.The aforesaid respective hinges 56 are adapted to be rotated around axiseach of which extends in the direction perpendicular to the aforesaidplane. Furthermore, the other nonparallel member 55 is consisted of arod-like body 55 a and a cylindrical body 55 b into which is slidablyinserted the rod-like body 55 a in the expandable fashion.

[0197] According to the link construction 51 as described above, sincethe intermediate link member 57 is disposed in parallel to thenonparallel member 54, two parallel members 52 and 53 are kept alwaysparallel to each other. Due to this arrangement, the trapezoid-shapedtetragonal configuration consisted of two parallel members 52, 53 andtwo nonparallel members 54, 55 exhibits either a symmetrical trapezoidalshape as shown in FIG. 42A, or nonsymmetrical trapezoidal shapes asshown in FIGS. 42B and 42C.

[0198] Furthermore, since two nonparallel members 54 and 55 are not inparallel to each other, two parallel members 52 and 53 are differentfrom one another in their lengths. In this connection, for example, asshown in FIG. 42A, a state wherein the members define a symmetricaltrapezoidal shape is arranged to be the deployed state. From thisdeployed state, two parallel members 52 and 53 are rotated around therespective hinges 56, 56 of the nonparallel members 54, as the fulcrums,respectively. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 42B and 42C, when both theparallel members 52 and 53 are rotated from the side of the longerparallel member 53 to that of the shorter parallel member 52, theextreme end of the longer parallel member 53 approaches gradually to theextreme end of the shorter parallel member 52, because the extreme endof the longer parallel member 53 has a faster speed in thecircumferential direction than that of the extreme end of the shorterparallel member 52. In other words, the distance defined between thehinges 56 and 56 of the other nonparallel member 55 becomes shorter.

[0199] On the contrary to the above description, when both the parallelmembers 52 and 53 are rotated from the side of the shorter parallelmember 52 to that of the longer parallel member 53, the extreme end ofthe longer parallel member 53 goes gradually away from that of theshorter parallel member 52 based on the same reason as that describedabove. In other words, the distance defined between the hinges 56 and 56of the other nonparallel member 55 becomes longer.

[0200] Accordingly, when the distance between the hinges 56 and 56 isvaried, the rotational directions and the rotational positions of twoparallel members 52 and 53 can be controlled. Furthermore, in either thestate where the distance defined between the hinges 56 and 56 is allowedto be the shortest, or the state where the distance is allowed to be thelongest, two parallel members 52 and 53 come to be in the closest state,and in this case, two nonparallel members 54 and 55 come also to be inthe closest state, so that the members become one rod-shaped foldedstate as a whole. FIG. 42C illustrates the state where the distancedefined between the hinges 56 and 56 of the other nonparallel member 55is shortened to be the shortest, whereby the whole members are stowed ina rod-like state.

[0201] To obtain a structure having a certain curvature, nonparallelmembers 54 and 55 of the respective link structures 51 are linked toeach other. In this case, since two nonparallel members 54 and 55 arenot in parallel to each other, a structure having a configuration closeto a circular arc can easily be constructed by means of the respectiveparallel members 52 and 53. In such a case, it is sufficient to preparelink structures each having the same configuration one another as therespective link structures 51 and accordingly, the manufacturingefficiency can be elevated. Moreover, in this case, when the state of asymmetrical trapezoidal shape of the members has been defined to be adeployed state, since each of the link structures 51 is in a stabletrapezoidal shape, besides a distance between two parallel members 52and 53 are also sufficiently broad, the link structures which arestructurally tough can be constructed. It is to be noted that a distancebetween two parallel members 52 and 53 becomes the maximum in the casewhen these two parallel members 52 and 53 meet the nonparallel member 54at right angles. As a consequence, the state where the distance betweentwo parallel members 52 and 53 becomes the maximum as described above isadapted to be the deployed state, whereby it may be intended tostrengthen a structure having a certain curvature.

[0202] In the present embodiment, since such a member which might befolded during operations is not used, the structure of the presentembodiment is simply manufactured, besides parallel members 52, 53,nonparallel members 54, 55, and the intermediate link member 57 can besmoothly actuated.

[0203] Furthermore, it is possible that the above described linkstructures 51 are placed tetragonally to compose a tetragonal truncatedpyramid-shaped deployable structure, or the link structures 51 areplaced hexagonally to compose a hexagonal truncated pyramid-shapeddeployable structure, respectively. In even such tetragonal or hexagonaltruncated pyramid-shaped deployable structures, the respective sidesthereof may tend to be a folded state in a single rod-shape, so that itis also possible to stow the respective link structures in a singlerod-shaped folded state as a whole. In addition, when these tetragonalor hexagonal truncated pyramid-shaped deployable structures are linkedto each other, a structure having a curved surface which is permitted tocompose the one being approximate to a cylindrical curved surface or theone being approximate to a spherical curved surface can easily beconstituted.

[0204] The link structure according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention will be described hereinbelow by referring to FIG. 43as well as FIGS. 44A through 44C wherein the components being common tothose of the first embodiment are designated by the same referencenumbers, respectively, and the explanation therefor will be simplified.The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that adiagonal member 58 is further added to the essential components.

[0205] More specifically, one end of the diagonal member 58 is movablyconnected to a nonparallel member 54 through a hinge and a slider 59,while the other end of the diagonal member 58 is connected to a corner51 a on the side of a rod-shaped body 55 a through another hinge 56. Alength of the diagonal member 58 in the deployed state is set in suchthat one end of the diagonal member provided with the slider 59positions at a corner 51 b opposite to the aforesaid corner 51 a. It isto be noted that in the deployable structure according to the presentembodiment, the case where the structure comes to be in the symmetricaltrapezoidal configuration is adapted to be the deployed state.Furthermore, the diagonal member 58 is disposed in parallel to the planealong which an intermediate link member 57 and the like extend so as toavoid the contact with the intermediate link member 57.

[0206] In the link structure 51 constructed as described above, when andistance defined between the hinges 56 and 56 is reduced by shortening alength of another nonparallel member 55 from the deployed state shown inFIG. 44A, the link structure is transformed to be stowed in the foldedstate of a single rod-shape as shown in FIGS. 44B and 44C. On the otherhand, in the deployed state, the slider 59 moves to the corner 51 b, sothat the diagonal member 58 extends in the opposite direction of thetrapezoid. Thus, the strength of the link structure 51 in case ofdeployment can be elevated, besides the link structure according to thepresent embodiment attains the same functions and advantages as those ofthe first embodiment.

[0207] The link structure according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention will be described hereinbelow by referring to FIG. 45as well as FIGS. 46A through 46C wherein the components being common tothose of the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 41 and 43 aswell as FIGS. 42A through 42C and FIGS. 44A through 44C are designatedby the same reference numbers, respectively, and the explanationtherefor will be simplified. The third embodiment differs principallyfrom the first and second embodiments in that the position of anonparallel member 54 is replaced by that of another nonparallel member55 as shown in FIG. 45 as well as FIGS. 46A through 46C and that theother nonparallel member 55 is not expandable, but the distance definedbetween hinges 56 and 56 on the side of the other nonparallel member 55is variable by means of a slider 60.

[0208] More specifically, the length of the other nonparallel member 55is fixed, and to which is attached movably the slider 60. To the slider60 is linked a longer parallel member 53 through a hinge 56 and at thesame time, is linked a diagonal member 58 through another hinge 56,respectively.

[0209] One end of the diagonal member 58 is connected to another slider59 through another hinge 56, while the other end of which is connectedto the slider 60 as described above. The slider 59 is disposed so as tomove along the nonparallel member 54. Moreover, the length of thediagonal member 58 is set in such that in the deployed state of thedeployable structure, the diagonal member 58 extends from a corner 51 cat which the slider positions to a corner 51 d opposite to the corner 51c. In this arrangement, the slider 59 moves from the corner 51 d alongthe nonparallel member 54 in the third embodiment.

[0210] In the link structure 51 constituted as described above, when theslider 60 moves, the distance between the hinges 56 and 56 on the sideof the other nonparallel member 55 varies, whereby the link structure isdeployed and stowed. For instance, when the slider 60 is moveddownwardly from the deployed state shown in FIG. 46A, the distancebetween the hinges 56 and 56 on the other nonparallel member 55 isextended to deform the same as shown in FIGS. 46B and 46C, so that thelink structure is deformed in a single rod-shape. In this case, theslider 59 moves also along the other nonparallel member 54 with themovement of the slider 60.

[0211] Furthermore, in the deployed state of the link structure of thethird embodiment, the whole of the link structure exhibits a symmetricaltrapezoidal configuration as shown in FIG. 45, and the diagonal member58 extends in the opposite direction, so that the elevation of thestrength of link structure can be intended as in the above describedsecond embodiment. Besides, the same functions and advantages areattained as in the first and the second embodiments.

[0212] In the third embodiment, while the example wherein the diagonalmember 58 and the slider 59 are provided has been described, thediagonal member 58 and the slider 59 may be omitted as a matter ofcourse. It is, however, preferable to provide these members for the sakeof elevating the strength of the link structure.

[0213] According to the link structure as mentioned above, when thedistance defined between the hinges on the other nonparallel member isvaried, the link structure can be transformed into the one having asymmetrical trapezoidal configuration or the ones having the othertrapezoidal configurations. Moreover, in either the state where theabove described distance between both the hinges is the shortest, or thestate where the distance is the longest, two parallel members exhibit astate where they are in the closest positions, and in this case twononparallel members come also to be in the closest state, so that thelink structure can be folded in a single rod-shaped configuration as awhole.

[0214] Furthermore, when the respective link structures are linked toeach other at the portions of the nonparallel members, a structurehaving a certain curvature can easily be constituted. In this case, itis sufficient to prepare the link structures each having the sameconfiguration one another, so that the manufacturing efficiency can beelevated. When a symmetrical trapezoidal configuration of the linkstructure is adapted to be the deployed state and a further structurehaving a certain curvature is constituted while keeping this deployedstate, each of the link structures exhibits a stable trapezoidalconfiguration, besides a distance between two parallel members issufficiently wide, and as a consequence the deployable structure whichis structurally tough can be constituted. The distance between twoparallel members becomes the maximum in the case when these two parallelmembers meet at right angles with one nonparallel member. Accordingly,the state where the distance between two parallel members becomes themaximum is adapted to be the deployed state and in this state, astructure having a certain curvature may be constituted.

[0215] Moreover, since no member which is bent during operations is usedin this embodiment, the deployable structure has the simple constructionand in which the parallel members, nonparallel members, and theintermediate link member can be smoothly operated to effect thedeployment and the stowage thereof.

[0216] In the following, a deployable diagonal structure which isapplicable between two opposite longitudinal members of the planestowage-type deployable truss and the line stowage-type deployable trusswill be described.

[0217]FIGS. 47 through 54 are schematic views each illustrating thedeployable diagonal structure according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0218] In FIG. 47, a deployable structure is provided with a deployablediagonal structure 80 which is consisted of two diagonal members 81extending over opposite points between 73 a and 74 b and 82 extendingover opposite points between 73 b and 74 a wherein the distance betweentwo adjacent points 73 a and 73 b among the aforesaid four points 73 a,73 b, 74 a, and 74 b is held at constant and at the same time, thedistance between the other two points 74 a and 74 b being opposite tothe former two points, respectively, is also held at constant. Whilekeeping both the distances constant, respectively, when the part definedby the other latter two points 74 a and 74 b is moved relatively awayfrom or close to the direction with respect to the part defined by theformer two points 73 a and 73 b, the deployable diagonal structure canbe deployed and stowed. The deployable diagonal structure of the presentembodiment is characterized by that two diagonal members 81 and 82 arerotatably linked at the intersection 83 to each other, and the aforesaidrespective diagonal members 81 and 82 have folding and unfoldingportions 84 and 85 on at least one side of the aforesaid intersection83, respectively.

[0219] More specifically, an end of the diagonal member 81 is rotatablyconnected to the point 73 a being an end of a first longitudinal member73 through a hinge 77 and the other end of the diagonal member 81 isrotatably connected to the point 74 b being an end of another firstlongitudinal member 74 through another hinge 77, while an end of theother diagonal member 82 is rotatably connected to the point 73 b beingthe other end of the first longitudinal member 73 through a hinge 77 andthe other end of the diagonal member 82 is rotatably connected to thepoint 74 a being the other end of the other first longitudinal member 74through another hinge 77, respectively.

[0220] At the intersection 83, two diagonal members 81 and 82 arerotatably linked to each other by means of an intersection rotatablehinge 83 a. The intersection rotatable hinge 83 a is arranged to berotatable along a plane containing two intersected diagonal members 81and 82. The folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 are arranged to berotatable by means of foldably and unfoldably rotating hinges 84 a and85 a, respectively. Further more, these foldably and unfoldably rotatinghinges 84 a and 85 a are arranged to be rotatable along a planecontaining the intersected two diagonal members 81 and 82.

[0221] The diagonal members 81 and 82 have such dimensions satisfyingthe deployment states expressed by the following equations (1) and (2),respectively.

L7=L1+L5−L6  (1)

L8=L4+L2−L3  (2)

[0222] where in the diagonal member 81, as shown in FIG. 50, L1 is thelength extending from the point 73 a to the intersection 83, L2 is thelength extending from the intersection 83 to the folding and unfoldingportion 84, and L3 is the length extending from the folding andunfolding portion 84 to the point 74 b, while in the other diagonalmember 82, L4 is the length extending from the point 74 a to theintersection 83, L5 is the length extending from the intersection 83 tothe other folding and unfolding portion 85, L6 is the length extendingfrom the other folding and unfolding portion 85 to the point 73 b,further L7 is the length extending over the points 73 a and 73 b beingthe opposite ends of the first longitudinal member 73, and L8 is thelength extending over the points 74 a and 74 b being the opposite endsof the other first longitudinal member 74.

[0223] The deployable structure constructed as described above changesfrom the deployed state shown in FIG. 47 to the state where thestructure is folded into a single rod-shaped configuration, i.e. to thestowage state shown in FIG. 49 via the state where the structure is inthe course of deployment shown in FIG. 48, and the present deployablestructure changes freely from this stowage state to the deployed statevice versa. In the deployed state, the folding and unfolding portions 84and 85 are in the extended straight state, respectively, so that atriangle is formed by the first longitudinal member 73, a part of thediagonal member 81 defined between the point 73 a and the intersection83, and a part of the other diagonal member 82 defined between theintersection 83 and the point 73 b, while another triangle is formed bythe other first longitudinal member 74, a part of the other diagonalmember 82 defined between the point 74 a and the intersection 83, and apart of the diagonal member 81 defined between the intersection 83 andthe point 74 b. For this reason, even if shearing force A, compressionforce B, or the force in the other directions acts on either of thefirst longitudinal members 73 and 74, the configurations of theabove-mentioned triangles do not change, so that the deployablestructure can positively be strengthened.

[0224] Moreover, a triangle is also formed by the upper surface sectionconsisted of upper horizontal members 71, the diagonal member 81, andthe other first longitudinal member 74. Another triangle is formed bythe aforesaid upper surface section, the other diagonal member 82, andthe first longitudinal member 73. A still further triangle is formed bythe aforesaid upper surface section as well as both the diagonal members81 and 82 being positioned on the upper side from the intersection 83,respectively. In addition to the above, further triangles including thelower surface section consisted of lower horizontal members 72 are alsoformed as described above. Thus, the deployable structure according tothe present embodiment is extremely highly rigid and excellent in thestrength in the deployed state.

[0225] Then, when the deployable structure is folded from the deployedstate, the folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 are slightly bent,for example, the force in the directions of the compression force B isapplied from both the sides. As a result, folding moment generates atthe respective folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 by means of theforce in the compression direction acting on a position between theintersection 83 and the point 73 b as well as on a position between theintersection 83 and the point 74 b. Consequently, the diagonal members81 and 82 are folded at the folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85,respectively. Since the distance extending over two points between 73 aand 73 b as well as the distance extending over the other two pointsbetween 74 a and 74 b are constant, respectively, the diagonal members81 and 82 are folded at the folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85,respectively, so as to fold them back, so that the opposite firstlongitudinal members 73 and 74 approach to each other to come to be inthe state where the members are stowed in a rod-shaped configuration(see FIG. 49).

[0226] In the following, another example of the above describedrespective foldably and unfoldably rotating hinges 84 a and 85 a will bedescribed. Namely, in the deployed state, when the respective foldingand unfolding portions 84 and 85 are in the straight state, no foldingmoment acts on the folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 even if theforce in the compression direction acts on a position between theintersection 83 and the point 73 b as well as on a position between theintersection 83 and the point 74 b, so that the respective folding andunfolding portions 84 and 85 remain held straight. In other words, whenthe respective folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 are in thestraight state, the deployed state can be maintained. It is, however,preferred from a viewpoint of maintaining the stability in the deployedstate that the folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 are providedwith stoppers, respectively, so as not to produce folding in therespective folding and stretching portions 84 and 85 even if oscillationor the like occurs. More specifically, it is preferred that each of thefolding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 is provided with a foldably andunfoldably rotating hinge 86 with a stopper as shown in FIG. 51 in placeof the ordinary rotating-type hinges 84 a and 85 a described above.

[0227] The explanation will be made herein on the basis of thearrangement wherein the folding and unfolding portion 84 is providedwith the foldably and unfoldably rotating hinge 86. In the diagonalmember 81, the side including the intersection 83 is made to be a longerdiagonal member 81 a, while the extreme end side of the folding andunfolding portion 84 is made to be a shorter diagonal member 81 b.

[0228] The foldably and unfoldably rotating hinge 86 is provided with ahinge shaft 87, a latch disk 88, a latch lever 89, a securing pin 90,and a latch spring 91. The hinge shaft 87 is secured to the longerdiagonal member 81, while to the hinge shaft 87 is rotatably connectedto the shorter diagonal member 81 b. The latch disk 88 is secured to thehinge shaft 87 so as to prevent from falling off of the shorter diagonalmember 81 b from the hinge shaft 87. The latch lever 89 is formed into acircular arc shape so as to along the periphery of the latch disk 88,and the basic end portion of the latch lever is rotatably attached tothe shorter diagonal member 81 b through the securing pin 90.

[0229] Moreover, the extreme end of the latch lever 89 is provided witha locking projection 89 a, while a locking concavity 88 a into which isfitted the locking projection 89 a is defined on the latch disk 88. Thepositions of these locking projection 89 a and the locking concavity 88a are arranged in such that when both the longer diagonal member 81 aand the shorter diagonal member 81 b come to be in the straight state,the locking projection 89 a fits in the locking concavity 88 a.Furthermore, the latch spring 91 is mounted so as to always draw theextreme end of the latch lever 89 nearer towards the side of the latchdisk 88. As a consequence, the locking projection 89 a is in the statewhere it is always pressed against the circumferential surface of thelatch disk 88, so that when both the longer diagonal 81 a and theshorter diagonal member 81 come to be in the straight state, the lockingprojection 89 a fits automatically in the locking concave 88 a.

[0230] In the foldably and unfoldably rotating hinge 86 constituted asdescribed above, since a stopper for keeping the folding and unfoldingportion 84 straight is consisted of the latch lever 89 and the latchdisk 88, the deployed state of the structure can positively bemaintained. It is to be noted that when the foldably and unfoldablyrotating hinge 86 is mounted on the other folding and unfolding portion85, the longer diagonal member 81 a becomes the longer diagonal member82 a, while the shorter diagonal member 81 b becomes the shorterdiagonal member 82 b in FIG. 51.

[0231] In the following, another example of the above described foldablyand unfoldably rotating hinges 84 a and 85 a as well as of theintersection rotating hinge 83 a will be described. Namely, a spiralspring 92 (rotation driving means) for affording torque in the deployingdirection is mounted on the foldably and unfoldably rotating hinges 84 aand 85 a as well as on the intersection rotating hinge 83 a as shown inFIGS. 52 and 53, respectively. The spiral spring 92 is mounted for suchreason that elastic energy has been stored in the spiral spring in thecase where the deployable structure has been folded, and the respectivediagonal members 81 and 82 or the like are deployed up to the perfectdeployed state by the use of the energy thus stored.

[0232] The spiral spring 92 may be mounted so as to produce torque inthe direction of folding the structure. Furthermore, it may be formed insuch that the respective diagonal members 81 and 82 or the like aredeployed or stowed by means of a rotation driving means such as a motorand the like in place of the spiral spring 92. Moreover, it may beformed in such that a rotation driving means such as the spiral spring92, a motor and the like is mounted on the foldably and unfoldablyrotating hinge 86 provided with the stopper shown in FIG. 51.

[0233] In the following, another example of the above describedintersection rotating hinge 83 a will be described. Namely, theintersection rotating hinge 93 shown in FIG. 54 will be describedhereinbelow. A long slot 94 is defined on the diagonal member 81, and ahinge shaft 95 of the intersection rotating hinge 93 is fitted movablyalong the long slot 94. The long slot 94 is defined on the diagonalmember 81 with a certain length along the longitudinal directionthereof, and the hinge shaft 95 is secured to the other diagonal member82. Furthermore, a tension spring 96 is provided for unfolding alwaysthe hinge shaft 95 along the longitudinal direction of the long slot 94.One end of the tension spring 96 is fixed to the hinge shaft 95, whilethe other end thereof is secured to the diagonal member 81 through asecuring pin 97.

[0234] In the intersection rotating hinge 93 constituted as describedabove, even in such a case where unnatural force is forced to the hingesection such as the foldably and unfoldably rotating hinges 84 a and 85b or the like due to the influence of dimensional tolerance in thediagonal members 81 and 82 or the other members, an amount of suchdimensional tolerance can be cancelled, since the hinge shaft 95 movesalong the long slot 94. Therefore, there is no case where unnaturalforce is applied to the foldably and unfoldably rotating hinges 84 a and85 a or the like, so that the deployment and the stowage of thedeployable structure can smoothly be carried out. It is preferred todesign in such that the hinge shaft 95 is positioned at thesubstantially midpoint of the long slot 94 in the longitudinal directionthereof for the sake of absorbing a variety of dimensional tolerances.

[0235] In FIG. 47, while an example wherein both the folding andunfolding portions 84 and 85 are placed on the under side from theintersection 83 has been illustrated, it may be formed that both thefolding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 are placed on the upper sidefrom the intersection 83. Furthermore, it may be formed that the foldingand unfolding portion 84 is placed on the under side of the intersection83, while the other folding and unfolding portion 85 is placed on theupper side of the intersection 83, and vice versa. In addition, it maybe also formed that the folding and unfolding portions 84 and 85 aredisposed on the opposite sides of the intersection 83.

[0236] According to the deployable diagonal structure of the presentembodiment, since the folding and unfolding portions of the diagonalmembers are folded, the structure can be folded into a single rod-shapedconfiguration. Moreover, since the folding and unfolding portions extendstraight at the time of completing the deployment, a triangle can beformed by the intersection and one of the diagonal members extendingover the respective two points, and further another triangle can also beformed by the intersection and the other diagonal member extending overthe respective two points. Consequently, even if shearing force and theexternal force applied from the direction other than that of theshearing force act upon the deployable diagonal structure, the reactionforce can be produced against the external force by means of the abovedescribed respective triangles, whereby the improvement in the strengthof the structure can be intended.

[0237] In the deployable diagonal structure constituted in such that theintersection is rotatable by means of the intersection rotating hinge,the folding and unfolding portion is rotatable by means of the foldablyand unfoldably rotating hinge, and a rotation driving means foraffording torque to either or both of these intersection rotating hingeand the foldably and unfoldably rotating hinge in the deployed or thestowage direction with respect to diagonal members is provided, thedeployment or the stowage of the structure can automatically be carriedout by means of the rotation driving force produced by the rotationdriving means.

[0238] In the deployable diagonal structure constituted in such that theintersection is movable along one of the diagonal members, even in sucha case where the deployment or the stowage is not smoothly carried out,for example, there is an error or the like in the length of a diagonalmember, such error or the like can be absorbed in the intersection, sothat the deployment and the stowage of the structure can be smoothlyeffected.

[0239]FIGS. 55 through 58 are schematic views each illustrating thedeployable diagonal structure according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0240] In FIG. 55, the deployable structure is provided with adeployable diagonal module 80 being consisted of opposite two firstlongitudinal members 73 and 74 as well as two diagonal members 81 and 82linked to the first longitudinal members 73 and 74 so as to intersectwith each other. The deployable diagonal module 80 can be deployed orstowed by making the aforesaid two first longitudinal members 73 and 74away from or close to each other. The present deployable diagonal module80 is characterized by that the aforesaid respective diagonal members 81and 82 are rotatably connected to the respective first longitudinalmembers 73 and 74, respectively, and at the same time two diagonalmembers 81 and 82 are rotatably linked to the intersection 83, and thatthe diagonal member 81 extends from the first longitudinal member 73 tothe other first longitudinal member 74 through the intersection 83, anda folding and unfolding portion 84 is disposed at the position betweenthe intersection 83 and the other first longitudinal member 74, whilethe other diagonal member 82 extends from the other first longitudinalmember 74 to the first longitudinal member 73 through the intersection83, and the other diagonal member 82 is movably connected to the firstlongitudinal member 73 in the axial direction thereof.

[0241] More specifically, the diagonal member 81 is connected rotatablyto an upper connecting portion 73 a of the first longitudinal member 73and to a lower connecting portion 74 b of the other first longitudinalmember 74 through each of rotating hinges 77, 77. Furthermore, the otherdiagonal member 82 is connected rotatably to an upper connecting portion74 a of the other first longitudinal member 74 and to a slider 98 whichmoves lower than the position of a lower connecting portion 73 b on thefirst longitudinal member 73 through each of rotating hinges 77, 77. Thedistance between the upper connecting portion 73 a and the lowerconnecting portion 73 b is equal to the one between the upper connectingportion 74 a and the lower connecting portion 74 b. To these connectingportions 73 a, 73 b, 74 a, and 74 b are connected to upper horizontalmembers 71, 71 and lower horizontal members 72, 72, respectively.

[0242] Furthermore, the first longitudinal member 73 has a slidingportion 73 c which extends further downwardly from the lower connectingportion 73 b, and the slider 98 is mounted movably in the axialdirection to the sliding portion 73 c. To the slider 98 is connected thesecond diagonal member 82 through a rotating hinge 77. Moreover, theslider 98 abuts upon the lower connecting portion 73 b in the state ofcompleting the deployment shown in FIG. 55, at this position the sliderhas a stopper (not shown) to be secured to the sliding portion 73 c.

[0243] On the intersection 83 at which the respective diagonal members81 and 82 intersect with each other is mounted an intersection rotatinghinge 83 a. The intersection rotating hinge 83 a is arranged so as torotatably connect both the diagonal members 81 and 82 to each otheralong the plane including two intersecting diagonal members 81 and 82.

[0244] A folding and unfolding portion 84 is rotatable by means of afoldably and unfoldably rotating hinge 84 a. Further, the foldably andunfoldably rotating hinge 84 a is arranged to be rotatable along theplane including the intersecting two diagonal members 81 and 82.

[0245] The respective diagonal members 81 and 82 are arranged to haveeach of dimensions satisfying the deployment state expressed by thefollowing equation (3)

L14=L11+L12−L13  (3)

[0246] where as shown in FIG. 58, L11 is the length extending from theupper connecting portion 74 a to the intersection 83, L12 is the lengthextending from the intersection to the folding and unfolding portion,L13 is the length extending from the folding and unfolding portion 84 tothe lower connecting portion 74 b, and L14 is the length extending fromthe upper connecting portion 74 a to the lower connecting portion 74 b.

[0247] The deployable structure constructed as described above changesfrom the deployed state shown in FIG. 55 to the state where thestructure is folded into a single rod-shaped configuration, i.e. to thestowage state shown in FIG. 57 via the state where the structure is inthe course of deployment shown in FIG. 56, and the present deployablestructure changes freely from this stowage state to the deployed statevice versa. In the deployed state, the folding and unfolding portion 84is in the extended straight state, at the same time, the slider 98 movesto the position of the lower connecting portion 73 b, and the slider 98becomes in the state where it has been fixed to the first longitudinalmember 73 by means of the stopper (not shown), so that a triangle isformed by the first longitudinal member 73, the diagonal member 81defined between the upper connecting portion 73 a and the intersection83, and the other diagonal member 82 defined between the intersection 83and the slider 98, while another triangle is formed by the other firstlongitudinal member 74, the other diagonal member 82 defined between theupper connecting portion 74 a and the intersection 83, and the diagonalmember 81 defined between the intersection 83 and the lower connectingportion 74 b. For this reason, even if shearing force A, compressionforce B, or the force in the other directions acts on either of thefirst longitudinal members 73 and 74, the configurations of theabove-mentioned triangles do not change, so that the deployablestructure can positively be strengthened.

[0248] Moreover, a triangle is also formed by the upper surface sectionconsisted of upper horizontal members 71, the diagonal member 81, andthe other first longitudinal member 74. Another triangle is formed bythe aforesaid upper surface section, the other diagonal member 82, andthe first longitudinal member 73. A still further triangle is formed bythe aforesaid upper surface section as well as both the diagonal members81 and 82 being positioned on the upper side from the intersection 83,respectively. In addition to the above, further triangles including thelower surface section consisted of lower horizontal members 72, are alsoformed as described above. Thus, the deployable structure according tothe present embodiment is extremely highly rigid and excellent in thestrength in the deployed state.

[0249] Then, when the deployable structure is folded from the deployedstate, the stopper (not shown) of the slider 98 is disengaged and at thesame time, the folding and unfolding portion 84 is slightly folded, andthen, for example, the force in the directions of the compression forceB is applied from both the sides. As a result, the slider 98 movestowards the direction away from the lower connecting portion 73 b by thecompression force acting upon a part defined between the upperconnecting portion 74 a and the slider 98 and at the same time, foldingmoment acts upon the folding and unfolding portion 84 by the compressionforce acting upon a part defined between the intersection 83 and thelower connecting portion 74 b. Consequently, the folding and unfoldingportion 84 comes to be folded, while the diagonal member 81 is folded atthe folding and unfolding portion 84 so as to fold it back, so that theother diagonal member 81 approaches to the first longitudinal member 73with the movement of the slider 98. As a result, both the firstlongitudinal members 73 and 74 approach also to each other to come to bein the state where the members are stowed in a rod-shaped configurationas a whole (see FIG. 57).

[0250] In also the present embodiment, as the foldably and unfoldablyrotating hinges, those shown in FIGS. 51 and 52 may be used as in thefirst embodiment. Moreover, as the intersection rotating hinges, thoseshown in FIGS. 53 and 54 may be utilized.

[0251] Furthermore, while the slider 98 has been provided with thestopper for securing the same to the longitudinal member 73 at the timeof completing the deployment, if the stopper is not provided, a trianglecontaining the intersection 83, the upper connecting portion 74 a, andthe lower connecting portion 74 b as the apexes can be composed, so thatthe force such as the compression force B and the like can bemaintained. It is, however, preferred to provide the stopper for thesake of elevating the strength of the structure, since the trianglecontaining the intersection 83, the upper connecting portion 73 a, andthe lower connecting portion 73 b as the apexes is formed due to theprovision of the stopper.

[0252] According to the deployable diagonal structure of the presentembodiment, since one of the diagonal members is folded at the foldingand unfolding portion, while the other diagonal member moves along theformer longitudinal member, the whole of the structure can be foldedinto a single rod-shaped configuration. Moreover, since the folding andunfolding portion extends straight at the time of completing thedeployment, a triangle is formed by the other latter longitudinalmember, the diagonal member extending from this latter longitudinalmember to the intersection, and the other diagonal member extending fromthe other latter longitudinal member to the intersection. Consequently,even if shearing force and the external force in the direction otherthan that of the shearing force act upon the structure, the reactionforce can be produced against the external force by means of the abovedescribed triangle, so that the improvement in the strength of thestructure can be intended.

[0253] In the deployable diagonal structure constituted in such that theintersection is rotatable by means of the intersection rotating hinge,the folding and unfolding portion is rotatable by means of the foldablyand unfoldably rotating hinge, and a rotation driving means foraffording torque to either or both of these intersection rotating hingeand the foldably and unfoldably rotating hinge in the deployed or thestowage direction with respect to diagonal members is provided, thedeployment or the stowage of the structure can automatically be carriedout by means of the rotation driving force produced by the rotationdriving means.

[0254] In the deployable diagonal structure constituted in such that theintersection is movable along one of the diagonal members, even in sucha case where the deployment or the stowage is not smoothly carried out,for example, there is an error or the like in the length of a diagonalmember, such error or the like can be absorbed in the intersection, sothat the deployment and the stowage of the structure can be smoothlyeffected.

[0255] Based on the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, suchan embodiment wherein an end of each of two diagonal members is movablyconnected, in the axial direction thereof, to each of two longitudinalmembers can easily be considered.

[0256] The explanation for the deployable truss according to the presentinvention has been completed as described above.

[0257] Now, a modular deployable antenna containing the above describeddeployable trusses as the basic modules will be described hereinbelow.

[0258] First, a approximate spherical structure being the concept forforming the curved surface of an antenna with high precision will bedescribed.

[0259]FIG. 59 is a schematic view illustrating the approximate sphericalstructure according to the first embodiment of the present inventionwherein the approximate spherical structure 100 is constituted bycombining plural modules 110, each having a shape of hexagonal truncatedpyramid with each other in each side surface 111 thereof to beapproximate spherically along either or both of the upper surface 112and the lower surface 113 of each module 110. The approximate sphericalstructure is characterized by providing one basic module 110A formedinto the shape of a regular hexagonal truncated pyramid from among theaforesaid structures 100, and radially located modules 110B each havingthe same shape so as to approximate the same spherical surface and beingconnected radially from the respective side surfaces 111 of the basicmodule 110A as the modules 110. However, it is to be noted that in thepresent embodiment, the modules approximate a spherical surface on theside of upper surfaces 112, and in this connection, FIG. 59 is a topplanar view viewed from the side of the upper surfaces 112 of therespective modules 110. In case of this embodiment, the modularstructure 100 is consisted of individual modules 110 in a modulatedstate wherein the modules 110 are combined with each other throughmembers on the respective side surfaces 111 of the modules 110.

[0260] More specifically, the module 110 is composed by means of framedstructures forming a hexagonal truncated pyramid as shown in FIG. 60wherein an upper horizontal member 112 a forms the upper surface 112having the form of hexagon, while a lower horizontal member 113 a formsthe lower surface 113 having the form of hexagon, the respectivevertexes of these upper surface 112 and the lower surface 113 are linkedto each other by means of a longitudinal member 111 a, and each of theside surfaces 111 is constituted by opposite two longitudinal members111 a, 111 a as well as by the upper horizontal member 112 a and thelower horizontal member 113 a each extending between the oppositelongitudinal members 111 a and 111 a.

[0261] The basic module 110A is composed by the longitudinal members 111a, the upper horizontal members 112 a, and the lower horizontal members113 a forming a regular hexagonal truncated pyramid wherein the uppersurfaces 112 and the lower surfaces 113 compose a regular hexagonalshape, and the respective side surfaces 111 are configured into the sametrapezoidal shapes. Moreover, each of the radially located modules 110Bis composed by the longitudinal members 111 a, the upper horizontalmembers 112 a, and the lower horizontal members 113 a forming ahexagonal truncated pyramid. In the state where the radially locatedmodules 110B have been linked to the respective side surfaces 111 of thebasic module 110A, the radially located modules 110B are formed in suchthat the respective vertexes of the upper surfaces 112 position on thesame spherical surface. In each of the radially located modules 110B,the lengths of the upper horizontal member 112 a and the lowerhorizontal member 113 a are the same as those of the basic module 110A.Furthermore, the length of the longitudinal member 111 a in each of theradially located modules 110B is the same as that of the longitudinalmember 111 a corresponding thereto in the basic module 110A.

[0262] The approximate spherical structure 100 constructed as describedabove, since a spherical surface can be approximated by two types ofstructural patterns, i.e. the basic module 110A and the radially locatedmodule 110B, the efficiency in the design and the manufacture of thestructure can be improved.

[0263] In the following, the approximate spherically structure accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention will be described byreferring to FIG. 61 wherein the same components as that of the firstembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 59 and 60 are designated by the samereference numbers and the explanation therefor will be simplified. Thepresent second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that theradially located modules 110B are increased by the amount correspondingto two layers, and the other first and second modules 110C and 110D areprovided in such that these other modules 110C and 110D are held betweenthe respective radially located modules 110B. FIG. 61 is a planar viewviewed from the side of the upper surface 112 in each of the modules 110wherein the module 110 with no mark means the basic module 110A, themodule with the circular mark plus oblique lines means the radiallylocated module 110B, the module with the circular mark means the otherfirst module 110C, and the module with the tetragonal mark means theother second module 110D, respectively.

[0264] As shown in FIG. 61, three each of the radially located modules110B, 110B and 110B are linked to each side surface 111 of the basicmodule 110A towards the radial directions thereof. In other words, threelayers of the radially located modules 110B are disposed around thebasic module 110A. Further, the respective radially located modules 110Bare formed symmetrically with respect to the line extending radiallyfrom the center of the basic module 110A through each center of the sidesurfaces 111 of the same basic module 110A. On the other hand, at theposition sandwiched by the radially located modules 110B of the secondlayer, one of the other first modules 110C is disposed, while at theposition sandwiched by the radially located modules 110B of the thirdlayer, two of the other second modules 110D and 110D are disposed.

[0265] In the other first module 110C, as shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, fourside surfaces 111, 111, 111 and 111 thereof have the same shapes asthose of the respective side surfaces 111 of the radially locatedmodules 110B and 110B positioned on the right and left sides of theother first module 110C, besides the respective vertexes of the uppersurfaces 112 of the former module 110C are formed to position on thespherical surface. Thus, the other first modules 110C are symmetricalwith respect to each of the lines extending radially from the center ofthe basic module 110A, so that all the former first modules 110C areformed in the same construction with each other.

[0266] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, two of the other secondmodules 110D and 110D are disposed adjacent to each other in the statewhere they are held between the radially located modules 110B and 110B,and each of the side surfaces 111 being in contact with each otherpositions on any of the lines extending radially from the center of thebasic module 110A. As a consequence, these other second modules 110D aresymmetrical with respect to the adjacent side surfaces 111 and 111, sothat all the other second modules 110D are the same with each other,when they are considered to be the same with the inclusion of thissymmetricalness.

[0267] In the approximate spherical module 100 constructed as describedabove, all the radially located modules 110B may be the ones having thesame structure, so that even in the case where the radially locatedmodules 110B are formed into two or more layers, only one pattern of themodule 110 to be newly designed increases per one layer, and thus theelevation of the design and the manufacturing efficiencies of the module110 can be intended.

[0268] In the above described embodiment, while the modular structurehas been constructed in such that the module 110 as shown in FIG. 60 hasbeen fabricated at first, and these modules 110 are linked to each otheron the side surfaces 111, thereof, it may be formed so as to link therespective modules 110 one another with constituting the memberspositioned on the side surface 111, e.g. the longitudinal member 111 a,the upper horizontal member 112 a, and the lower horizontal member 113so as to hold them common.

[0269] As the whole modular structure 110, it is formed to be possibleto fold the respective side surfaces 111 into a single rod-shapedconfiguration, whereby the whole modular structure 110 may be composedto fold the same so as to bundle into a single rod-shaped configuration.In this case, when the respective modules 110 are folded, theapproximate spherically module 100 can be folded into plural rod-shapedmembers in the bundled state. Moreover, the approximate sphericallymodule 100 can also be deployed in a spherical-shaped configuration fromthe folded state thereof.

[0270] While it has been formed in such that the respective modules 110approximate a spherical surface on the side of the upper surfaces 112 inthe above described embodiment, it may be formed in such that therespective modules 110 approximate the spherical surface on the side ofthe lower surfaces 113, besides it may be formed in such that therespective modules 110 approximate spherical surfaces on both the sidesof the upper surfaces 112 and the lower surfaces 113, respectively.

[0271] According to the approximate spherically modules of the presentembodiment, each of the radially located modules extending from thebasic module in six directions has the same construction one another,besides it is sufficient that there is the small number of types ofdifferent other modules in their constructions from those of the basicmodule and the radially located module, so that the improvement of thedesign and the manufacturing efficiencies of the modules can beintended.

[0272] In the following, a specific deployable modular antenna in whichthe concept of the above described approximate spherically modules isapplied thereto will be described.

[0273]FIGS. 62 through 65 are schematic views each showing a plane/linestowage truss structure in the deployable modular antenna.

[0274] In FIG. 62, reference character {overscore (F)} denotes a basicmodule for sustaining a plane/line stowage truss structure wherein thebasic module {overscore (F)} is provided with three attachment surfacesF1, F2, and F3 for mounting the plane/line stowage truss structure tothe basic module {overscore (F)} in which these attachment surfaces F1,F2, and F3 are shaped so as to correspond to the respective sidesurfaces of a regular hexagonal truncated pyramid, and the adjacentattachment surfaces intersect with each other at the angle of 120degrees.

[0275] The plane/line stowage truss structure is consisted of planestowage-type deployable trusses 10 and line stowage-type trusses 40.Each of the plane stowage-type deployable trusses 10 is linked to theattachment surfaces F1, F2, and F3 through a fixed frame 10 a,respectively. Further, the line stowage-type deployable truss 40 islinked to the plane stowage-type deployable trusses 10 wherein the planestowage-type deployable trusses 10 and the line stowage-type deployabletrusses 40 are disposed so as to fill in parts which cannot occupy witheach other in the planar view.

[0276]FIG. 63 is a front view showing such plane/line stowage truss asdescribed above.

[0277] In the following, operations of a deployable framed structureconstructed by the plane stowage-type deployable trusses 10 and the linestowage-type deployable trusses 40, as described above will bedescribed.

[0278]FIGS. 64 and 65 illustrate the state where the plane/line stowagetruss structure is stowed around the basic module {overscore (F)} beinga satellite in this case. Namely, the respective plane stowage-typedeployable trusses 10 are folded in such that the fixed frames 10 a areallowed to be closely contact with each other, while the respective linestowage-type deployable trusses 40 are folded into rod-shapedconfiguration so as to concentrate them at a single axis, whereby thetrusses are in the state where they are stowed in a narrow space. At thetime when the satellite reaches outer space, the plane stowage-typedeployable trusses 10 and the line stowage-type deployable trusses 40are deployed and it exhibits the state shown in FIGS. 62 and 63. In thiscase, since the respective plane stowage-type deployable trusses 10 andthe line stowage-type deployable trusses 40 form configurations of ahexagonal truncated pyramid, surfaces obtained by linking hexagonalprofiles to each other define a spherical surface. In FIG. 63, referencenumber 99 designates a metallic mesh reflecting radio wave, and adeployable modular antenna is constituted with inclusion of suchmetallic mesh.

[0279] According to the plane/line stowage truss structure constructedas described above, the plane stowage-type deployable trusses 10 can beconnected to the basic module {overscore (F)} through the parts of thefixed frames 10 a with stable and sufficient strength. Thus, a pluralityof the other plural plane stowage-type deployable trusses 10 and theother line stowage-type deployable trusses 40 can be disposed so as tobe in continuous with the initial plane stowage-type deployable trusses10, whereby a curved surface having a wide area can be constituted.Besides, since the line stowage-type deployable trusses 40 are disposedon such a space which cannot be covered with only the plane stowage-typedeployable trusses 10, a minute curved surface can be constituted as awhole. Particularly, since each of the plane stowage-type deployabletrusses 10 and the line stowage-type deployable trusses 40 has the upperand the lower surfaces each having a hexagonal shape, the respectiveplane stowage-type deployable trusses 10 and the respective linestowage-type deployable trusses 40 can be placed closely one another.

[0280] While an example wherein the respective plane stowage-typedeployable trusses 10 and the respective line stowage-type deployabletrusses 40 have been formed into a hexagonal truncated pyramid, they maybe formed into a hexagonal pyramid. In this latter case, however, thecombination of only a planar extension can be obtained, even if theresulting configurations of the hexagonal pyramid are combined with eachother.

[0281] Moreover, the plane stowage-type deployable truss 10 as well asthe line stowage-type deployable truss 40 may be formed into aneven-numbered polygonal truncated pyramid or an even-numbered polygonalpyramid other than a hexagonal truncated pyramid or a hexagonal pyramid.In this case, it is required that an opposite set of frames are formedby fixed frames with respect to the plane stowage-type deployable truss.

[0282] Since the plane/line stowage truss structure of the presentembodiment is consisted of the plane stowage-type deployable trusseswhich can be deployed in the direction wherein the fixed frames oppositeto each other go away from one another, the plane stowage-typedeployable trusses can positively be fixed, for example, to thecircumferential surface of the basic module through the fixed frames,respectively. In other words, since the plane stowage-type deployabletrusses can be attached to the basic module with each of the fixedframes which is formed into not a single rod-shaped configuration, but aframe-shaped configuration, the plane stowage-type deployable trussescan be attached to the basic module with a stable and sufficientstrength. Hence, when the other plane stowage-type deployable trussesare linked to the plane stowage-type deployable truss which has beenattached to the basic module, a structure having wide extension caneasily be constructed. There is, however, a case where a gap definedbetween the adjacent plane stowage-type deployable trusses increaseswith leaving the basic module. In other words, since a part which cannotbe occupied in the plane by only the plane stowage-type trusses appears,when the line stowage-type deployable trusses are disposed in such partsas described above, surfaces each having planar extension can beuniformly constituted.

[0283] In a structure composed with the plane stowage-type deployabletrusses and the line stowage-type deployable trusses into a polygonalprism configuration, when these structures are combined with each other,a surface having single planar extension can be constituted, while in astructure composed with these trusses into a polygonal truncated pyramidconfiguration, when these structures are combined with each other, asurface having single curved surface extension can be constituted.

[0284] Furthermore, in either of a structure composed with the planestowage-type deployable trusses and the line stowage-type deployabletrusses into a hexagonal prism configuration, or a structure composedwith these trusses into a hexagonal truncated pyramid configuration,these structures can be combined compactly in the plane with each other,so that either a surface having the most minute planar extension or asurface having the most minute curved surface extension can be obtained.

[0285] In the structures described above, the plane stowage-typedeployable trusses and the line stowage-type deployable trusses in allthe above-mentioned modes can be employed.

[0286] In the following, a deployable modular antenna in which not thebasic module, but a truss of a fixed structure is employed will bedescribed on the basis of FIGS. 66A and 66B.

[0287] As shown in FIGS. 66A and 66B, the plane/line stowage trussstructure in the present deployable modular antenna is consisted ofthree types of antenna reflector components wherein one of thecomponents contains the truss of a fixed structure, another componentcontains plane stowage-type deployable trusses, and the rest containsline stowage-type deployable trusses. In FIG. 66A, truss portions amongantenna reflectors are principally illustrated.

[0288] Around the fixed reflector 1 provided with the fixed truss aredisposed the plane stowage-type deployable trusses 10 and the linestowage-type deployable trusses 40, respectively. FIG. 66A shows thestate where the plane/line stowage truss structure has been deployed,while FIG. 66B shows the state where the plane/line stowage trussstructure has been stowed wherein the plane stowage-type deployabletrusses 10 being contiguous to the fixed reflector 1 are stowed in theplane, and the line stowage-type deployable trusses 40 are stowedlinearly in the gaps defined between these plane stowage-type deployabletrusses 10 which have been stowed.

[0289] The fixed reflector 1 is not required to have a structure whichis foldable, so that a truss of a fixed structure is used therein. Thefixed structure truss is fabricated firmly which can sustain the wholeantenna reflector. A metallic mesh is fixedly stretched on the fixedstructure truss to compose an antenna reflector part.

[0290] Meanwhile, in the deployable modular antenna having the abovedescribed construction, the fixed reflector 1 maintains always areflector state of a constant curvature irrespective of the deployedstate or the stowed state of the plane stowage-type deployable trusses10 and the line stowage-type deployable trusses 40. Accordingly, even ifthe deployment operation is imperfect, the space of the minimum fixedpart is maintained as the antenna reflector.

[0291] Moreover, since the curved surface of the whole structureobtained by integrating the fixed reflector 1, the plane stowage-typedeployable trusses 10, and the line stowage-type deployable trusses 40forms the same parabolic surface, even if radio waves having differentfrequencies are irradiated on the part of the fixed reflector 1 and theother reflector parts, the radio waves are reflected in the samedirection. Accordingly, when the fixed part of the fixed reflector 1 ismade to be possible to respond a higher frequency than that of the otherparts by improving the accuracy due to such an arrangement that, forexample, the fixed part of the fixed reflector 1 is consisted of a solidreflector, such reflector part can also be allocated to the radio wavefor line control.

[0292] According to the present deployable modular antenna, sincedeployment and stowage are not required for the fixed part being a partof the supporting structure for sustaining a large antenna reflectorderived from plural linking of deployable trusses, it is possible toconstruct an antenna reflector having structurally more precise formthan that of the deployable antenna reflector part, so that it becomespossible to additionally use a radio wave having a higher frequency.

[0293] Furthermore, since only a part of the antenna reflector maintainsalways the form as a reflector in the deployment process of the wholeantenna reflector, even in the worst case where the deployment has beenimperfectly completed, the improvement of reliability is expected in thepoint to the effect that the function as the antenna reflector does notbecome completely lost.

[0294] Moreover, according to the deployable modular antenna, there aretwo types of deployable trusses used, i.e. the plane stowage-typetrusses and the line stowage-type trusses, no gap is produced betweentrusses one another in the stowage state, so that compact stowage can berealized.

[0295] Finally, a module coupling mechanism for coupling mutually theabove-mentioned respective deployable trusses, and a holding andreleasing mechanism for effecting smoothly the operations from thestowage to the deployment in the deployable trusses will be described.

[0296] First, the module coupling mechanism will be explained.

[0297]FIGS. 67 through 71 are schematic views each showing the modulecoupling mechanism according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0298] The module coupling mechanism 120 is the one for couplingmutually basic modules M to compose a structure consisted of pluralmodules {overscore (M)} as shown in FIGS. 67 through 71. These modulecoupling mechanisms 120 are disposed at the opposite positions in themodules {overscore (M)} and {overscore (M)}, respectively. The modulecoupling mechanism 120 is consisted of a coupled member 130 the extremeend of which is a free end 130 a, and a coupling member 140 whichencloses opposingly united coupled members 130 and 130 from the side ofthe free ends 130 a, 130 a of the united coupled members. The modulecoupling mechanism 120 is characterized by that a coupling hole 130 b isdefined on the coupled member 130 at the position corresponding to thatof the coupling member 140, while the coupling member 140 is providedwith a lock member 141 having a coupling projection 142 to be fitted inthe coupling hole 130 b, and at the same time the coupling member 140 isprovided with a stopper member 143 for stopping the mutual movement ofthe coupled member 130 and the coupling member 140 by abutting upon thefree end 130 a of the coupled member 130 under the state where thecoupling projection 142 has been fitted in the coupling hole 130 b.

[0299] The above described module {overscore (M)} is the basicstructural element in the case where, for example, a supportingstructure for an antenna is constructed, and which is consisted of trussmodules and the like.

[0300] The coupled member 130 is a member obtained by forming aplate-like member into an L-shaped member as shown in FIGS. 67 and 68,and the proximal end of which is to be secured to the module {overscore(M)}, while the distal end of which is the free end 130 a. These coupledmembers 130 are disposed at the corresponding positions on therespective modules {overscore (M)} and {overscore (M)} opposed to oneanother so as to face with each other. Consequently, the parts on thesides of the free ends 130 a and 130 a of the respective coupled members130 and 130 are in coincident with each other so as to overlapthemselves. Further, the coupling hole 130 b is defined on the coupledmember 130 so as to pass through the same with a tetragonal contour asshown in FIGS. 68 and 69.

[0301] The coupling member 140 is formed into a tetragonal frame-shapedas shown in FIGS. 67 through 70, and which encloses opposingly unitedcoupled members 130 and 130 from the side of the free ends 130 a, 130 aof the united coupled members to thereby coupling these coupled members130 and 130. A through hole 140 a having the same shape as that of thecoupling hole 130 b is defined on the coupling member 140 at theposition corresponding to that of the coupling hole 130 b of the coupledmember 130.

[0302] On the side on which the through hole 140 a of the couplingmember 140 has been defined, the lock member 141 and the stopper member143 are mounted, respectively. These lock member 141 and the stoppermember 143 are fabricated from a rectangular plate-like material, asshown in FIGS. 68 through 70, wherein the proximal ends thereof aresecured to the coupling member 140 with screws 144 and 144 in such thatthe lock member 141 is parallel to the stopper member 143. In the statewhere the lock member 141 and the stopper member 143 are placedopposingly with putting the coupling member 140 between them, and thestopper member 143 is disposed alternately with respect to the lockmember 141 so as to be opposed to the lock member. In addition, theselock member 141 and the stopper member 143 are arranged to elasticallyfold at the proximal ends thereof, as the fulcrum, which have beensecured with the screws 144 and 144.

[0303] To one of the lock members 141 and 141 is formed the couplingprojection 142 which extends from a through hole 140 b to the couplinghole 130 b on one of the coupled members 130 and 130 and which fits inthe coupling hole 130 b, while to the other of the lock members 141 and141 is formed the coupling projection 142 which extends from the throughhole 140 b to the coupling hole 130 b on the other of the coupledmembers 130 and 130 and which fits in the coupling hole 130 b. Thecoupling projection 142 is formed from the plate-like lock member 141 bymeans of a press, one side of the coupling projection 142 is formed intoan introducing surface 142 a, while the other side thereof is formedinto a locking surface 142 b as shown in FIG. 68. More specifically, theintroducing surface 142 a is obliquely formed in such that the coupledmember 130 is easily introduced into the coupling member 140, while thelocking surface 142 b is in contact with the coupling hole 130 b inparallel to each other so as to prevent from the disengagement of thecoupling projection 142 with the coupling hole 130 b.

[0304] The stopper 143 a which abuts upon the free end 130 a of thecoupled member 130 is formed on the extreme end of each of the opposedstopper members 143 and 143. The stopper 143 abuts upon the free end 130a of the coupled member 130 so as to maintain the state where thelocking surface 142 b of the coupling projection 142 abuts upon thecoupling hole 130 b of the coupled member 130.

[0305] In the module coupling mechanism 120 constructed as describedabove, when the respective modules {overscore (M)} and {overscore (M)}to be coupled are disposed opposingly, the parts on the sides of thefree ends 130 a of the coupled members 130 in the respective modules{overscore (M)} and {overscore (M)} become a state where they are inconsistent with each other so as to overlap one another. In thesecircumstances, the opposed coupled members 130 and 130 are inserted intothe coupling member 140 from the side of the free ends 130 a and 130 aof the coupled members 130 and 130 as shown in FIG. 71A, then thecoupling projections 142 and 142 are pushed out from the inside of thecoupling member 140 by means of the parts of the free ends 130 a and 130a of the coupled members 130 and 130 as shown in FIG. 71B, and theseparts on the sides of the free ends 130 a and 130 a move relativelytowards the stoppers 143 a and 143 a. Thereafter, when the couplingprojections 142 and 142 reach the positions of the coupling holes 130 band 130 b, the lock members 141 and 141 return resiliently, so that thecoupling projections 142 and 142 fit in the coupling holes 130 b and 130b, respectively, as shown in FIG. 71C. When the movement of the coupledmembers 130 and 130 is continued further from the present state, thefree ends 130 a and 130 a abut upon the stoppers 143 a and 143 a, sothat the coupled members 130 and 130 are pushed back to the positionwhere each of the coupling holes 130 b and 130 b is in contact with eachof the locking surfaces 142 b and 142 b of the coupling projections 142and 142, i.e. all the components are in the state shown in FIG. 71D. Inthis state, each of the free ends 130 a and 130 a as well as each of thecoupling holes 130 b and 130 b are forcibly held by each of the lockingsurfaces 142 b as well as each of the stoppers 143 a and 143 a to securethe coupled members 130 and 130.

[0306] In the case of separating the respective modules {overscore (M)}and {overscore (M)} from each other, the coupling member 140 is allowedto bend, whereby the coupling member 140 is withdrawn from therespective coupled members 130 and 130 while disengaging the couplingprojections 142 and 142 with the coupling holes 130 b and 130 b.

[0307] Thus, according to the module coupling mechanism 120 constitutedas described above, when the coupled members 130 mounted on therespective modules {overscore (M)} and {overscore (M)} are only fittedin the respective coupling members 140, these modules {overscore (M)}and {overscore (M)} can be linked with each other, while the coupledmembers 130 are only disengaged with the coupling members 140, thesemodules {overscore (M)} and {overscore (M)} can be separated from oneanother. Accordingly, even if a module {overscore (M)} has a complicatedstructure, such modules {overscore (M)} and {overscore (M)} can beeasily linked to and separated from each other. Besides, in the linkedstate, the coupling members 140 can positively be secured to the coupledmembers 130 by means of the lock members 141 and the stopper members143, respectively, so that the linked state of the respective modules{overscore (M)} and {overscore (M)} can be extremely safely maintained.

[0308] In the following, the second embodiment of the present inventionwill be described by referring to FIG. 72 wherein the same components asthat of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 67 through 71 aredesignated by the same reference numbers and the explanation thereforwill be simplified. The present second embodiment differs from the firstembodiment in that the positions of a lock member 141 and a stoppermember 143 are adjustable.

[0309] More specifically, the lock member 141 is secured to a couplingmember 140 by means of a screw 144 through a long hole 141 a. The longhole 141 a is defined extensively on the lock member 141 in thedirection along which a coupled member 130 moves relatively with respectto the coupling member 140. Furthermore, the stopper member 143 containsalso a long hole 143 b which extends similarly to the above describedlong hole 141 a, and the stopper member 143 is secured to the couplingmember 140 through the long hole 143 b by means of a screw 144.

[0310] In the module coupling mechanism 120 constituted as describedabove, when the positions of the lock member 141 and the stopper member143 are adjusted, the positions of the locking surfaces 142 b, 142 b andthe stoppers 143 a and 143 a can be changed at the right and left sidesshown in, for example, FIG. 68. Consequently, there is such an advantagethat the relative positions of the respective modules {overscore (M)}and {overscore (M)} can be adjusted according to this module couplingmechanism 120.

[0311] While the above described embodiment has been constituted in suchthat the coupling member 140 encloses upwardly the coupled members 130and 130 from the bottoms thereof, it may be constituted in such that thecoupling member 140 can enclose downwardly, sidewards the coupledmembers 130 and 130 by orienting the parts on the sides of the free ends130 a and 130 a of the coupled members 130 and 130 towards the upper,the side and the like directions.

[0312] According to the module coupling mechanism of the presentembodiment, when the respective coupled members used in the respectivemodules to be linked are united and the coupled members thus united areonly enclosed by the coupling member, the respective modules can belinked to each other. On the other hand, when the coupling member ismerely withdrawn from the coupled members, the respective modules can beseparated. Accordingly, even if each module has a complicated structure,the coupling and the separation of the respective modules can be veryeasily carried out. Besides, in the state where the coupling projectionhas been fitted in the coupling hole, the stopper member has abuttedupon the free end of the coupled member, so that the disengagement ofthe coupling projection with the coupling hole can positively beprevented. In other words, the coupling states of the respective modulescan be positively maintained.

[0313] Moreover, in the mechanism wherein the positions of the lockmember and the stopper member are adjustable with respect to thecoupling member, the positions of the coupling projection and thestopper member can be changed with respect to the coupling hole. As aconsequence, the relative positions of the respective coupled members inthe coupling state can be changed, whereby the relative positions of therespective modules can be adjusted.

[0314] Embodiments of a holding/releasing mechanism will be describedhereinbelow by referring to FIGS. 73 through 80. These embodimentsrelate to the holding/releasing mechanism for setting up deployablestructures each having a prescribed configuration on a satellite byholding or releasing the deployable structures for supporting an antennaon or from the satellite.

[0315] First, the holding/releasing mechanism according to the firstembodiment of the present invention will be described in conjunctionwith FIGS. 73 through 75. In FIG. 73, a holding/releasing mechanism 150holds fixedly a deployable structure (movable body) 170 on a mainstructure 200, or release a holding power from the deployable structure170. The holding/releasing mechanism 150 is provided with a support arm151 the proximal end 151 a of which is linked to the main structure 200,a push rod 152 positioned on the side of the distal end of the supportarm 151 and the distal end 152 b of which is linked to the deployablestructure 170, and an intermediate link 153 the proximal end 153 a ofwhich is rotatably connected to the distal end 152 b of the support arm151 and at the same time, the distal end 153 b of which is rotatablyconnected to the proximal end 152 a of the push rod 152. To the distalend 153 b of the intermediate link 153 is mounted a connecting andcutting means 154 which performs operations for connecting with orcutting from the push rod 152. The connecting and cutting means 154draws positively the push rod 152 to the side of the main structure 200,so that the deployable structure 170 is fixedly held on the mainstructure 200 in the case when the distal end 153 b of the intermediatelink 153 is rotated towards the side of the proximal end 151 a of thesupport arm 151, while the connecting and cutting means 154 releases theconnection with the push rod 152 in the case when the distal end 153 bof the intermediate link 153 is rotated towards the side of theextension line of the distal end 151 b of the support arm 151.

[0316] The deployable structure 170 is the one having a framed structurewhich deploys into a configuration of a tetragonal prism, and thedeployable structure 170 is provided with horizontal members 171disposed in a tetragonal shape, and longitudinal members 173 which areconnected to four corners of the tetragon through rotating hinges 172.Furthermore, at the central portion of the extreme end of the deployablestructure 170 is disposed a holding horizontal member 174, and to whichis rotatably connected the push rod 152. The deployable structure 170 isarranged in such that when the horizontal members 171, the longitudinalmembers 173, and the holding horizontal member 174 are folded into alayer-shaped configuration, they are stowed in the main structure 200.Moreover, the deployable structure 170 has a power deploysautomatically, so that when a holding power derived from the outside isreleased, the structure deploys automatically, whereby the respectivelongitudinal members 173 extend straight.

[0317] The proximal end 151 a of the support arm 151 is fixedlyconnected to the main structure 200, while to the distal end of which isrotatably connected the intermediate link 153 through the rotating hinge155. To the rotating hinge 155 is mounted a rotation driving means 156for rotationally driving the intermediate link 153. The rotation drivingmeans 156 is consisted of a spiral screw, and which produces the drivingforce for rotating the distal end 153 b of the intermediate link 153from the side of the proximal end 151 a of the support arm 151 to theside of the extension line of the distal end 151 b of the supporting arm151.

[0318] Moreover, to the distal end 153 b of the intermediate link 153 ismounted the connecting and cutting means 154. The connecting and cuttingmeans 154 is formed into U-shaped configuration, and which has aU-shaped concave 154 a opened on the side of the extension line of thedistal end 153 b of the intermediate link 153.

[0319] The push rod 152 has a boss portion 157 which fits in the abovedescribed concave 154 a. The boss portion 157 is formed in a circularprofile in the section, and which rotates smoothly in the concave 154 a,while the boss portion 157 is arranged so as to smoothly escape from theopening of the concave 154 a. The distal end 152 b of the push rod 152is rotatably linked to the holding horizontal member 174 through therotating hinge 158.

[0320] Furthermore, to the distal end 153 b of the intermediate link153, i.e. the connecting and cutting means 154 are disposed a wire 159and a spring 160 for holding the intermediate link 153 at the positionwhere the intermediate link 153 has been rotated towards the side of theproximal end 151 a of the support arm 151 at the maximum. The wire 159and the spring 160 are linked in a straight line state wherein the wire159 is linked to the connecting and cutting means 154, while the spring160 is secured to the main structure 200. It is arranged in such thatthe spring 160 acts on the wire 159 with a certain tension in such amanner that the connecting and cutting means 154 abuts upon the proximalend 151 a of the support arm 151 with a prescribed amount of force.

[0321] To the part in which the tension of the wire 159 appears isplaced a cutter 161 for cutting the wire 159, and the cutter 161 isadapted to positively cut the wire 159 due to the actuation by explosionof an explosive.

[0322] In the holding/releasing mechanism 150 constructed as describedabove, when the intermediate link 153 is rotated on the side of theproximal end 151 a of the support arm 151, the push rod 152 canpositively be drawn. The horizontal members 171, the longitudinalmembers 173 and the holding horizontal member 174 in the deployablestructure 170 are positively be folded in a layer-shaped configurationin the state where the connecting and cutting means 154 abuts upon theproximal end 151 a of the support arm 151. Besides, the position of thefolded deployable structure 170 with respect to the main structure 200is positively fixed by means of a link mechanism consisted of thesupport arm 151, the push rod 152, and the intermediate link 153, andwhich is in a state where the folded deployable structure is forced tothe side of the main structure 200 with a prescribed amount. Accordinglythere is no vibration and slippage of the deployable structure 170 withrespect to the main structure 200, so that the damage of the deployablestructure 170 and the like due to such vibration and slippage can bepositively prevented.

[0323] Then, when the wire 159 is cut by means of the cutter 161 asshown in FIGS. 74 and 75, the intermediate link 153 is started to rotateby means of the rotation driving means 156. Due to the rotation, thedistal end 153 b of the intermediate link 153 moves to the side of thedeployable structure 170 so as to draw a circular arc, so that the pushrod 152 moves towards the direction along which the deployable structure170 deploys. Thus, the deployable structure 170 starts to deploy bymeans of the own deployable force in addition to the aid of the push rod152. As a consequence, even if the case where the deployable structure170 is in the folded state of a layer-shaped configuration, so that theparts of the respective rotating hinges 172 are in a state ofgeometrical singularity, or a state of increasing coefficient of staticfriction, the deployable structure 170 can positively be deployed in itsoriginal shape.

[0324] Besides, since the distal end 153 b of the intermediate link 153moves so as to draw a circle centerring around the proximal end 153 athereof, the velocity component of the distal end 153 b towards thedirection of the push rod 152 becomes the smallest at the positions ofthe proximal end 151 a of the support arm 151 and the extension line ofthe distal end 151 b thereof. For this reason, even if the intermediatelink 153 was rotating at a constant speed from the beginning, thevelocity at which the deployable structure 170 goes away from the mainstructure 200 is such that it becomes gradually faster from the state ofsubstantially zero. Thus, there is not such a case where a shock isapplied to the deployable structure 170, or the case where due to thereaction thereof, a shock is applied to the main structure 200 of asatellite in the case where the holding power with respect to thedeployable structure 170 is released. As a result, the deployablestructure 170 is far from damage and the like, and a satelliteconstituted by the deployable structure 170 does not go out of theorbit. In addition to the above, in the case where the distal end 153 bof the intermediate link 153 is on the side of the proximal end 151 a ofthe support arm 151, an increased large power acts on the push rod 152due to the same reason as that mentioned above, i.e. where the velocitycomponent is small, even if the torque for driving the intermediate link153 is constant. In this respect, even if the state is in such a statewhere, for example, a coefficient of friction has increased, so that thedeployable structure 170 is initially difficult to deploy, thedeployable structure 170 can be positively initiated.

[0325] Furthermore, since the connecting and cutting means 154 holds theboss portion 157 of the push rod 152 by means of the U-shaped concave154 a, the push rod 152 can be positively drawn nearer to the side ofthe main structure 200 in the case when the distal end 153 b of theintermediate link 153 moves to the side of the proximal end 151 a of thesupport arm 151, whereby the deployable structure 170 can positively besecured to the main structure 200. On the other hand, since the bossportion 157 disengages automatically with the concave 154 in the casewhen the distal end 153 b of the intermediate link 153 moves to the sideof the extension line of the distal end 151 b of the support arm 151,the deployable structure 170 can positively be deployed.

[0326] Moreover, since the distal end 152 b of the push rod 152 isrotatably connected to the holding horizontal member 174 by means of therotating hinge 158, the push rod 152 may be swung at the distal end 152b thereof, as the fulcrum, in the case of the rotation of theintermediate link 153. Therefore, there is not a case where an unnaturalforce acts on the deployable structure 170 through the push rod 152.

[0327] In the following, the holding/releasing mechanism according tothe second embodiment of the present invention will be described byreferring to FIGS. 76 through 79 wherein the same components as that ofthe first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 73 through 75 are designatedby the same reference numbers and the explanation therefor will besimplified. The present second embodiment differs from the firstembodiment in that the proximal end 151 a of a support arm 151 isconnected to a main structure 200 through a rotating hinge 162, whilethe distal end 152 b of a push rod 152 is fixedly connected to a holdinghorizontal member 174.

[0328] More specifically, the support arm 151 swings at the rotatinghinge 162, as the fulcrum, at the proximal end 151 a of the support arm151 as a result of the rotation of an intermediate link 153.

[0329] In the holding/releasing mechanism 150 constructed as describedabove, the support arm 151 swings at the proximal end 151 a thereof, asthe fulcrum, in case of the rotation of the intermediate link 153, sothat there is no case where the push rod 152 moves relatively withrespect to the deployable structure. Hence, there is no case where thepush rod 152 collides with the deployable structure 170 in case ofreleasing the same, so that a damage to the deployable structure 70 canbe prevented.

[0330] In the following, the holding/releasing mechanism according tothe third embodiment of the present invention will be described byreferring to FIG. 80 wherein the present third embodiment differs fromthe above described first and second embodiments in that only a couplingportion for a support arm 151 and an intermediate link 153 is provided,so that the explanation will be made on merely the coupling portion inwhich the same components as that of the above described respectiveembodiments are designated by the same reference numbers and thedescription therefor will be simplified.

[0331] More specifically, a rotating hinge 155 is provided with a damper163 for controlling the rotational speed of the intermediate link 153.The damper 163 is consisted of an impeller rotating in a viscousmaterial, and which reduces the rotational speed of the intermediatelink 153.

[0332] In the holding/releasing mechanism 150 provided with the damper163 as described above, the intermediate link 153 can be adjusted insuch that the rotational speed thereof comes to be not excessive,whereby the deploying speed of the deployable structure 170 can be madeappropriate. As a result, the deployable structure can be released moresmoothly.

[0333] In the above described respective embodiments, the invention hasbeen constructed in such that the connecting and cutting means 154 isallowed to abut upon the proximal end 151 a of the support arm 151 tostop the same in the state where the wire 159 has been stretched. Inother words, the support arm 151 has been used as a stopper for theintermediate link 153. However, it may be constructed in such thatanother stopper means is separately disposed in place of the support arm151. Particularly, in the second embodiment, it is preferred to providesuch stopper means.

[0334] Moreover, while an example wherein the rotation driving means 156is consisted of a spiral spring has been described in the abovedescribed respective embodiments, it may be constructed in such that therotation of the rotation driving mechanism 156 is attained also bydriving a motor and the like. Besides, the rotation driving means 156 isnot used for only the releasing direction, but also for the securingdirection in such a manner that the intermediate link 153 may berotationally driven.

[0335] In this case, it becomes easily possible that the deployablestructures 170 are secured to the main structure 200 in the foldedstate.

[0336] Furthermore, while an example wherein the holding/releasingmechanism has been applied to the deployable structure 170 in asatellite in the above described respective embodiments, theholding/releasing mechanism can be applied not only to satellites inouter space, but also the deployable structure on the ground and thelike, besides the holding/releasing mechanism may be applied not only tothe deployable structures, but also the one for holding and releasingother movable bodies which can be transformed or moved, as a matter ofcourse.

[0337] In the holding/releasing mechanism according to the presentinvention, since the position of a movable body is positively restrictedwith respect to a main structure by means of the link structureconsisted of the support arm, the intermediate link, and the push rod,whereby the movable body can be secured to the main structure. Thus,there is no vibration or slippage of the movable body with respect tothe main structure. Accordingly, the damage on the movable body and thelike due to the vibration or the slippage thereof can be positivelyprevented.

[0338] In the case when a movable body is released from the holdingstate, the push rod moves by means of the rotation of the intermediatelink, and due to the movement of the push rod, the movable body canstart to move towards the original state and the position. As aconsequence, even if the movable body in the holding state is in thestate of geometrical singularity, or a state of increasing coefficientof static friction, the movable body can positively be moved to theoriginal state and the position.

[0339] Besides, in the intermediate link, since the distal end moves soas to draw a circle centerring around the proximal end thereof, thevelocity component of the distal end towards the direction of the pushrod becomes the smallest on the distal end side of the support arm andthe side of the extension line of the same support arm. For this reason,even if the intermediate link was rotating at a constant speed from thebeginning, the velocity at which the movable body goes away from themain structure increases gradually, while the movable body does notleave abruptly in the case when it leaves from the connecting andcutting means. Thus, it is possible to prevent such an accident where ashock is applied to the movable body and the like in case of therelease. As a result, it is possible to prevent from causing damage tothe movable body and the like. In addition to the above, in the casewhere the distal end of the intermediate link is on the side of theproximal end of the support arm, an increased large power acts on thepush arm due to the same reason as that mentioned above wherein thevelocity component is small, even if the torque for driving theintermediate link is constant. In this respect, even if the state is insuch a state where, for example, a coefficient of friction hasincreased, so that a movable body is initially difficult to move, themovement of the movable body can be positively initiated.

[0340] Furthermore, in a modification wherein the connecting and cuttingmeans is consisted of a concave opened on the side of the extension lineof the distal end of an intermediate link, a push rod can be positivelydrawn nearer to the side of a main structure by the rotation of thedistal end of the intermediate link towards the side of the proximal endof a support arm, whereby a movable body can positively be secured tothe main structure. Besides, since the push rod disengages automaticallywith the concave in the case when the distal end of the intermediatelink moves to the side of the extension line of the distal end of thesupport arm, the movable body can positively be released.

[0341] In a modification wherein an intermediate link is provided with arotation driving means, it is easily possible to hold fixedly a movablebody to a main structure, or to release the movable body from the mainstructure. Particularly, if the rotation driving means has been disposedin the releasing direction, the movable body can be automaticallyreleased even at a position where human power cannot directly reach, forexample, that of satellite in outer space.

[0342] Moreover, in a modification wherein the proximal end of a supportarm is fixedly connected to a main structure, while the distal end of apush rod is rotatably connected to a movable body, the push rod can beswung at the distal end thereof, as the fulcrum, with the rotation of anintermediate link. Therefore, there is not a case where an unnaturalforce acts on the movable body due to the rotation of the intermediatelink.

[0343] Still further, in a modification wherein the proximal end of asupport arm is rotatably connected to a main structure, while the distalend of a push rod is fixedly connected, the support arm swings at theproximal end, as the center thereof, with the rotation of anintermediate link. Accordingly, an unnatural force does not act on theplace defined between the push rod and the movable body even if the pushrod is fixedly connected to the movable body. Besides, since the pushrod is fixedly connected to the movable body, there is not the casewhere the push rod collides with the movable body at the time ofreleasing them.

[0344] Furthermore, in a modification wherein an intermediate link isprovided with a damper for controlling the rotational speed, themagnitude of the rotational speed in the intermediate link can suitablybe reduced, so that a movable body can be released more smoothly.

[0345] It should be understood that many modifications and adaptationsof the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art and itis intended to encompass such obvious modifications and changes in thescope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A linked structure, comprising: two oppositeparallel members: two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangleby being coupled to said each parallel member through a hinge; and anintermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge in the middle ofsaid each parallel member so that the member is parallel to onenonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein: distancebetween hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed.
 2. Alinked structure according to claim 1 , wherein: the distance betweensaid hinges can be changed by constituting so that one end of one saidparallel member can be moved along one end of the correspondingnonparallel member.
 3. A linked structure according to claim 1 ,wherein: the distance between said hinges can be changed by constitutingthe other nonparallel member so that it can be elongated or shortened.4. A linked structure according to claim 1 , further comprising:diagonal members of which one end is coupled to the corner of said theother nonparallel member and of which other end is coupled to said onenonparallel member through a slider wherein: said slider is constitutedso that it can be moved along the axial direction of said onenonparallel member.
 5. A linked structure according to claim 2 , furthercomprising: diagonal members of which one end is coupled to one end ofone of said parallel members and of which other end is coupled to saidone nonparallel member through a slider, wherein: said slider isconstituted so that it can be moved along the axial direction of saidone nonparallel member.
 6. A linked structure according to claim 3 ,further comprising: opposite members of which one end is coupled to thecorner of said other nonparallel member and of which other end iscoupled to said one nonparallel member through a slider, wherein: saidslider is constituted so that it can be moved along the axial directionof said one nonparallel member.
 7. A deployable diagonal structure,comprising two opposite longitudinal members; two diagonal membersprovided with a intersection which can be turned for coupling said twolongitudinal member, wherein: said two diagonal members can be deployedor stowed by separation or approach.
 8. A deployable diagonal structureaccording to claim 7 , wherein: each end of said two diagonal members iscoupled to each end of said two diagonal members; and said two diagonalmembers is provided with a folding and unfolding portion respectivelybetween said intersection and a coupled portion to one of saidlongitudinal members.
 9. A deployable diagonal structure according toclaim 7 , wherein: each end of one of said two longitudinal members iscoupled to each end of one of said two diagonal members; and each end ofother of said two diagonal members is coupled to said two longitudinalmembers so that they can be moved in the axial direction.
 10. Adeployable diagonal structure according to claim 7 , wherein: each endof one of said two longitudinal members is coupled to each end of one ofsaid two diagonal members; other end of one of said two diagonal membersis coupled to the end of one of said two longitudinal members; the onediagonal member is provided with a folding and unfolding portion betweensaid intersection and a coupled portion to the longitudinal member; andother end of other of said two diagonal members is coupled to the otherof said two longitudinal members so that it can be moved in the axialdirection.
 11. A deployable diagonal structure according to claim 7 , 8, 9 or 10, wherein: said intersection is constituted by a crossingrotary hinge; and the crossing rotary hinge is provided with a revolvingmeans which provides turning force to said diagonal members in thedeployed direction or in the converged direction.
 12. A deployablediagonal structure according to claim 8 or 10 , wherein: said foldingand unfolding portion is constituted by a foldable and unfoldablerotating hinge; the foldable and unfoldable rotating hinge is providedwith a revolving means which provides turning force to said diagonalmembers in the deployed direction or in the converged direction.
 13. Adeployable diagonal structure according to claim 7 , 8 , 9 or 10,wherein: said two diagonal members are constituted in the intersectionso that each they can be moved each other.
 14. A plane stowage-typedeployable truss, comprising first six horizontal members forming ahexagon on one side; second six horizontal members forming a hexagon onthe other side; and six longitudinal members coupling each correspondingvertex of a hexagon on one side and a hexagon on the other side, being atruncated hexagonal deployable truss provided with six sides formed byadjacent longitudinal members, the first and second horizontal members,wherein: a set of opposite sides are constituted by a fixed frame; theother sides are constituted by two sets of adjacent transformableframes; and deploying/stowing operation is preformed as a whole whensaid one set of fixed frames separate or approach.
 15. A planestowage-type deployable truss according to claim 14 , wherein: a centrallongitudinal member is provided piercing the center of hexagons on oneside and on the other side; a first radial member linking one side ofthe central longitudinal member and one side of each longitudinal memberlocated on each fixed frame is provided; a second radial member linkingthe other side of the central longitudinal member and the other side ofeach longitudinal member located on each fixed frame is provided; andsaid transformable frame is constituted by the central longitudinalmember, a set of first and second radial members and the correspondinglongitudinal member.
 16. A plane stowage-type deployable truss accordingto claim 14 , wherein: a first folding/unfolding member linking one sideof the central longitudinal member and one side or each longitudinalmember located in the center of adjacent transformable frames isprovided; a second folding/unfolding member linking the other side ofthe central longitudinal member and the other side of each longitudinalmember located in the center of adjacent transformable frames isprovided; and the first and second folding/unfolding members extendstraight when deployed, holding hexagons on one side and on the otherside.
 17. A plane stowage-type deployable truss according to claim 14 ,wherein: a cable is disposed on a diagonal of said transformable frame;one end of the cable is provided with a windable structure and the otherend is connected to the top or bottom of any longitudinal member; andsaid deploying/stowing operation is performed by transforming saidtransformable frame by winding.
 18. A plan stowage-type deployable trussaccording to claim 15 , wherein: a cable is disposed on a diagonal ofsaid transformable frame; one end of the cable is provided with awindable structure and the other end is connected to the top or bottomof any longitudinal member; and said deploying/stowing operation isperformed by transforming said transformable frame by winding.
 19. Aplan stowage-type deployable truss according to claim 16 , wherein: acable is disposed on a diagonal of said transformable frame; one end ofthe cable is provided with a windable structure and the other end isconnected to the top or bottom of any longitudinal member; and saiddeploying/stowing operation is performed by transforming saidtransformable frame by winding.
 20. A plane stowage-type deployabletruss according to claim 14 , 15 , 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein: saidtransformable frame is constituted by a linked structure, comprising:two opposite parallel members: two opposite nonparallel members forminga quadrangle by being coupled to said each parallel member through ahinge; and an intermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge inthe middle of said each parallel member so that the member is parallelto one nonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein thedistance between hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changedby constituting so that one end of one said parallel member can be movedalong one end of the corresponding nonparallel member.
 21. A planestowage-type deployable truss according to claim 14 , 15 , 16, 17, 18 or19, wherein: said transformable frame is constituted by a linkedstructure, comprising: two opposite parallel members: two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; and an intermediate coupling membercoupled through a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member sothat the member is parallel to one nonparallel member of saidnonparallel members, wherein the distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed by constituting the other nonparallelmember so that it can be elongated or shortened.
 22. A planestowage-type deployable truss according to claim 14 , 15 , 16, 17, 18 or19, wherein: said transformable frame is constituted by a linkedstructure, comprising: two opposite parallel members: two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; and an intermediate coupling membercoupled through a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member sothat the member is parallel to one nonparallel member of saidnonparallel members, wherein: distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed; and diagonal members of which one endis coupled to the corner of said the other nonparallel member and ofwhich other end is coupled to said one nonparallel member through aslider wherein: said slider is constituted so that it can be moved alongthe axial direction of said one nonparallel member.
 23. A planestowage-type deployable truss according to claim 14 , 15 , 16, 17, 18 or19, wherein: said transformable frame is constituted by the linkedstructure comprising: two opposite parallel members: two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; and an intermediate coupling membercoupled through a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member sothat the member is parallel to one nonparallel member of saidnonparallel members, wherein: distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed; and diagonal members of which one endis coupled to one end of one of said parallel members and of which otherend is coupled to said one nonparallel member through a slider, wherein:said slider is constituted so that it can be moved along the axialdirection of said one nonparallel member.
 24. A plane stowage-typedeployable truss according to claim 16 , 17 , 18 or 19, furthercomprising: at least one deployable diagonal structure comprising twoopposite longitudinal members; two diagonal members provided with aintersection which can be turned for coupling said two longitudinalmember, wherein: said two diagonal members can be deployed or stowed byseparation or approach and said two diagonal members; and said twodiagonal members are provided with a folding and unfolding portionrespectively between said intersection and a coupled portion to one ofsaid longitudinal members wherein the two opposite longitudinal memberscorrespond to longitudinal members located in the center of adjacenttransformable frames and said central longitudinal member.
 25. A planestowage-type deployable truss according to claim 16 , 17 , 18 or 19,further comprising: at least one deployable diagonal structure,comprising two opposite longitudinal members; two diagonal membersprovided with a intersection which can be turned for coupling said twolongitudinal member, wherein said two diagonal members can be deployedor stowed by separation or approach and wherein each end of one of saidtwo longitudinal members is coupled to each end of one of said twodiagonal members; and each end of other of said two diagonal members iscoupled to said two longitudinal members so that they can be moved inthe axial direction and wherein said two opposite longitudinal memberscorrespond to a longitudinal member located in the center of adjacenttransformable frames and said central longitudinal member.
 26. A planestowage-type deployable truss according to claim 15 , 16 , 18 or 19,further comprising: at least one deployable diagonal structurecomprising two opposite longitudinal members; two diagonal membersprovided with a intersection which can be turned for coupling said twolongitudinal member, wherein said two diagonal members can be deployedor stowed by separation or approach and wherein: each end of one of saidtwo longitudinal members is coupled to each end of one of said twodiagonal members; other end of one of said two diagonal members iscoupled to the end of one of said two longitudinal members; the onediagonal member is provided with a folding and unfolding portion betweensaid intersection and a coupled portion to the longitudinal member; andother end of other of said two diagonal members is coupled to the otherof said two longitudinal members so that it can be moved in the axialdirection and wherein two opposite longitudinal members correspond tolongitudinal member located in the center of adjacent transformableframes and said central longitudinal member.
 27. A line stowage-typedeployable truss, comprising: first even horizontal members forming aeven-numbered polygon on one side; second even horizontal membersforming a even-numbered polygon on the other side; and even longitudinalmembers coupling each corresponding vertex of even-numbered polygons onone side and on the other side, being a truncated pyramid deployabletruss provided with even sides formed by adjacent longitudinal members,the first and second horizontal members, wherein: each of said first andsecond horizontal members is coupled to each of said longitudinalmembers so that it can swing along each side; at least every other sideis constituted by a transformable frame; and deploying/stowing operationis performed as a whole when each longitudinal member separates orapproaches.
 28. A line stowage-type deployable truss according to claim27 , wherein: said transformable frame is constituted by a linkedstructure comprising: two opposite parallel members; two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; and an intermediate coupling membercoupled through a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member sothat the member is parallel to one nonparallel member of saidnonparallel members, wherein: the distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed by constituting so that one end of onesaid parallel member can be moved along one end of the correspondingnonparallel member.
 29. A line stowage-type deployable truss accordingto claim 27 , wherein: said transformable frame is constituted by alinked structure comprising: two opposite parallel members; two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; and an intermediate coupling membercoupled through a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member sothat the member is parallel to one nonparallel member of saidnonparallel members, wherein: distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed by constituting the other nonparallelmember so that it can be elongated or shortened.
 30. A line stowage-typedeployable truss according to claim 27 , wherein: said transformableframe is characterized by a linked structure comprising: two oppositeparallel members; two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangleby being coupled to said each parallel member through a hinge; anintermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge in the middle ofsaid each parallel member so that the member is parallel to onenonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein the distancebetween hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed; anddiagonal members of which one end is coupled to the corner of said theother nonparallel member and of which other end is coupled to said onenonparallel member through a slider wherein said slider is constitutedso that it can be moved along the axial direction of said onenonparallel member.
 31. A line stowage-type deployable truss accordingto claim 27 , wherein: said transformable frame is constituted by thelinked structure comprising: two opposite parallel members; two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; an intermediate coupling member coupledthrough a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member so that themember is parallel to one nonparallel member of said nonparallelmembers, wherein the distance between hinges for the other nonparallelmember can be changed by constituting so that one end of one saidparallel member can be moved along one end of the correspondingnonparallel member; and diagonal members of which one end is coupled toone end of one of said parallel members and of which other end iscoupled to said one nonparallel member through a slider, wherein saidslider is constituted so that it can be moved along the axial directionof said one nonparallel member.
 32. A line stowage-type deployable trussaccording to claim 28 , 29 , 30 or 31, wherein: a central longitudinalmember is provided piercing the center of even-numbered polygons on oneside and on the other side; a first radial member linking one side ofthis central longitudinal member and one side of said other nonparallelmember is provided; a second radial member linking the other side of thecentral longitudinal member and the other side of said other nonparallelmember is provided; and said transformable frame is constituted by thecentral longitudinal member, a set of the first and second radialmembers and the corresponding longitudinal member.
 33. A linestowage-type deployable truss according to claim 32 , wherein: a firstfolding/unfolding member linking one side or the central longitudinalmember and one side of each longitudinal member located in the center ofadjacent transformable frames is provided; a second folding/unfoldingmember linking the other side of the central longitudinal member and theother side of each longitudinal member located in the center of adjacenttransformable frames is provided; and the first and secondfolding/unfolding members extend straight when deployed, holdingeven-numbered polygons on one side and on the other side.
 34. A linestowage-type deployable truss according to claim 33 , furthercomprising: at least one deployable diagonal structure comprising: twoopposite longitudinal members; two diagonal members provided with aintersection which can be turned for coupling said two longitudinalmember, wherein each end of said two diagonal members is coupled to eachend of said two diagonal members and said two diagonal members areprovided with a folding and unfolding portion respectively between saidintersection and a coupled portion to one of said longitudinal membersand wherein said two diagonal members can be deployed or stowed byseparation or approach and wherein said two opposite longitudinalmembers correspond to longitudinal members located in the center ofadjacent transformable frames and said central longitudinal member. 35.A line stowage-type deployable truss according to claim 33 , furthercomprising: at least one deployable diagonal structure comprising twoopposite longitudinal members; two diagonal members provided with aintersection which can be turned for coupling said two longitudinalmember, wherein said two diagonal members can be deployed or stowed byseparation or approach wherein: each end of one of said two longitudinalmembers is coupled to each end of one of said two diagonal members andeach end of other of said two diagonal members is coupled to said twolongitudinal members so that they can be moved in the axial directionand wherein said two opposite longitudinal members correspond tolongitudinal member located in the center of adjacent transformableframes and said central longitudinal member.
 36. A line stowage-typedeployable truss according to claim 33 , further comprising: at leastone deployable diagonal structure comprising two opposite longitudinalmembers; two diagonal members provided with a intersection which can beturned for coupling said two longitudinal member, said two diagonalmembers being deployed and stowed by separation or approach wherein eachend of one of said two longitudinal members is coupled to each end ofone of said two diagonal members and said other end of one of said twodiagonal members is coupled to the end of one of said two longitudinalmembers; the one diagonal member is provided with a folding andunfolding portion between said intersection and a coupled portion to thelongitudinal member; and other end of other of said two diagonal membersis coupled to the other of said two longitudinal members so that it canbe moved in the axial direction and wherein two opposite longitudinalmembers correspond to longitudinal member located in the center ofadjacent transformable frames and said central longitudinal member. 37.A line stowage-type deployable truss according to claim 27 , wherein: acable is disposed on a diagonal of said transformable frame; one end ofthe cable is provided with a windable structure and the other end isconnected to the top or bottom of any longitudinal member; and saiddeploying/stowing operation is performed by transforming saidtransformable frame by winding.
 38. A line stowage-type deployable trussaccording to claim 32 , wherein: a cable is disposed on a diagonal ofsaid transformable frame; one end of the cable is provided with awindable structure and the other end is connected to the top or bottomof any longitudinal member; and said deploying/stowing operation isperformed by transforming said transformable frame by winding.
 39. Aplane/line stowage truss structure, comprising: a plane stowage-typedeployable truss in which deploying/stowing operation is performed as awhole when opposite fixed frames separate or approach; and a linestowage-type deployable truss in which deploying/stowing operation isperformed as a whole in the radial direction with a convergent portionin the center, wherein: said plane stowage-type deployable truss andline stowage-type deployable truss are arranged to cover a portion whichcannot be occupied each other; and the truss is constituted so that ithas a plane expanse as a whole when it is deployed.
 40. A plane/linestowage truss structure according to 39, wherein: a base structure isprovided; said plane stowage-type deployable truss is coupled to saidbase structure through said fixed frame; plural plane stowage-typedeployable trusses are coupled serially through a respective fixedframe; and said line stowage-type deployable truss is arranged betweeneach row of said plane stowage-type deployable trusses.
 41. A plane/linestowage truss structure according to claim 39 , wherein: one or pluralfixed trusses are provided; said plane stowage-type deployable truss iscoupled to said fixed trusses through said fixed frame; plural planestowage-type deployable trusses are coupled serially through arespective fixed frame; and said line stowage-type deployable truss isarranged between each row of said plane stowage-type deployable trusses.42. A plane/line stowage truss structure according to claim 39 , 40 or41, wherein: said plane stowage-type deployable truss and said linestowage-type deployable truss are constituted in the shape of a prismwith even angles; and the truss is constituted so that it has a planeexpanse as a whole when it is deployed.
 43. A plane/line stowage trussstructure according to claim 39 , 40 or 41, wherein: said planestowage-type deployable truss and said line stowage-type deployabletruss are constituted in the shape of a truncated pyramid with evenangles; and the truss is constituted so that it has a curved expanse asa whole when it is deployed.
 44. A plane/stowage truss structureaccording to claim 43 , further comprising: a transformable frameconstituted by a linked structure having two opposite parallel membersand two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangle by beingcoupled to said each parallel member through a hinge; and anintermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge in the middle ofsaid each parallel member so that the member is parallel to onenonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein the distancebetween hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed byconstituting so that one end of one said parallel member can be movedalong one end of the corresponding nonparallel member.
 45. Aplane/stowage truss structure according to claim 43 , wherein said planestowage-type deployable truss is constituted by a line stowage-typedeployable truss further comprising: two opposite parallel members; twoopposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled tosaid each parallel member through a hinge; and an intermediate couplingmember coupled through a hinge in the middle of said each parallelmember so that the member is parallel to one nonparallel member of saidnonparallel members, wherein the distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed by constituting so that one end of onesaid parallel member can be moved along one end of the correspondingnonparallel member.
 46. A plane/stowage truss structure according toclaim 43 , including a plane stowage-type deployable truss comprising:two opposite parallel members; two opposite nonparallel members forminga quadrangle by being coupled to said each parallel member through ahinge; and an intermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge inthe middle of said each parallel member so that the member is parallelto one nonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein thedistance between hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changedby constituting the other nonparallel member so that it can be elongatedor shortened.
 47. A plane/stowage truss structure according to claim 43, including a plane stowage-type deployable truss including saidtransformable frame constituted by a linked structure comprising: twoopposite parallel members: two opposite nonparallel members forming aquadrangle by being coupled to said each parallel member through ahinge; and an intermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge inthe middle of said each parallel member so that the member is parallelto one nonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein thedistance between hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changedby constituting so that one end of one said parallel member can be movedalong one end of the corresponding nonparallel member.
 48. Aplane/stowage truss structure according to claim 43 , wherein: saidplane stowage-type deployable truss is constituted by a linkedstructure, comprising: two opposite parallel members: two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; and an intermediate coupling membercoupled through a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member sothat the member is parallel to one nonparallel member of saidnonparallel members, wherein the distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed; and diagonal members of which one endis coupled to the corner of said the other nonparallel member and ofwhich other end is coupled to said one nonparallel member through aslider and wherein said slider is constituted so that it can be movedalong the axial direction of said one nonparallel member.
 49. Aplane/stowage truss structure according to claim 43 , wherein: said linestowage-type deployable truss is constituted by a linked structurecomprising: two opposite parallel members; two opposite nonparallelmembers forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said each parallelmember through a hinge; an intermediate coupling member coupled througha hinge in the middle of said each parallel member so that the member isparallel to one nonparallel member of said nonparallel members, whereinthe distance between hinges for the other nonparallel member can bechanged; and diagonal members of which one end is coupled to the cornerof said the other nonparallel member and of which other end is coupledto said one nonparallel member through a slider wherein said slider isconstituted so that it can be moved along the axial direction of saidone nonparallel member.
 50. A plane/stowage truss structure according toclaim 43 , wherein: said plane stowage-type deployable truss isconstituted by the linked structure comprising: two opposite parallelmembers; two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangle by beingcoupled to said each parallel member through a hinge; an intermediatecoupling member coupled through a hinge in the middle of said eachparallel member so that the member is parallel to one nonparallel memberof said nonparallel members, wherein the distance between hinges for theother nonparallel member can be changed; and diagonal members of whichone end is coupled to one end of one of said parallel members and ofwhich other end is coupled to said one nonparallel member through aslider, wherein said slider is constituted so that it can be moved alongthe axial direction of said one nonparallel member.
 51. A plane/stowagetruss structure according to claim 43 , wherein: said line stowage-typedeployable truss is constituted by the linked structure comprising: twoopposite parallel members; two opposite nonparallel members forming aquadrangle by being coupled to said each parallel member through ahinge; an intermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge in themiddle of said each parallel member so that the member is parallel toone nonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein the distancebetween hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed byconstituting so that one end of one said parallel member can be movedalong one end of the corresponding nonparallel member; and diagonalmembers of which one end is coupled to one end of one of said parallelmembers and of which other end is coupled to said one nonparallel memberthrough a slider, wherein said slider is constituted so that it can bemoved along the axial direction of said one nonparallel member.
 52. Aplane/stowage truss structure according to claim 43 , wherein: saidplane stowage-type deployable truss is constituted by the planestowage-type deployable truss including at least one deployable diagonalstructure comprising: two opposite longitudinal members; two diagonalmembers provided with a intersection which can be turned for couplingsaid two longitudinal member, wherein said two diagonal members can bedeployed or stowed by separation or approach and said two diagonalmembers; and said two diagonal members are provided with a folding andunfolding portion respectively between said intersection and a coupledportion to one of said longitudinal members wherein the two oppositelongitudinal members correspond to longitudinal members located in thecenter of adjacent transformable frames and a central longitudinalmember.
 53. A plane/stowage truss structure according to claim 43 ,further comprising: a central longitudinal member is provided piercingthe center of even-numbered polygons on one side and on the other side;a first radial member linking one side of this central longitudinalmember and one side of said other nonparallel member is provided; asecond radial member linking the other side of the central longitudinalmember and the other side of said other nonparallel member is provided;and said transformable frame is constituted by the central longitudinalmember, a set of the first and second radial members and thecorresponding longitudinal member.
 54. A plane/stowage truss structureaccording to claim 43 , further comprising at least one deployablediagonal structure, comprising two opposite longitudinal members; twodiagonal members provided with a intersection which can be turned forcoupling said two longitudinal member, wherein said two diagonal memberscan be deployed or stowed by separation or approach and wherein each endof one of said two longitudinal members is coupled to each end of one ofsaid two diagonal members; and each end of other of said two diagonalmembers is coupled to said two longitudinal members so that they can bemoved in the axial direction wherein said two opposite longitudinalmembers correspond to a longitudinal member located in the center ofadjacent transformable frames and a central longitudinal member.
 55. Aplane/stowage truss structure according to claim 43 , wherein said linestowage-type deployable truss comprises: a first folding/unfoldingmember linking one side or the central longitudinal member and one sideof each longitudinal member located in the center of adjacenttransformable frames is provided; and a second folding/unfolding memberlinking the other side of the central longitudinal member and the otherside of each longitudinal member located in the center of adjacenttransformable frames is provided wherein the first and secondfolding/unfolding members extend straight when deployed, holdingeven-numbered polygons on one side and on the other side.
 56. Aplane/stowage truss structure according to claim 43 , including at leastone deployable diagonal structure comprising: two opposite longitudinalmembers; two diagonal members provided with a intersection which can beturned for coupling said two longitudinal member, wherein said twodiagonal members can be deployed or stowed by separation or approach andwherein each end of one of said two longitudinal members is coupled toeach end of one of said two diagonal members and wherein other end ofone of said two diagonal members is coupled to the end of one of saidtwo longitudinal members; the one diagonal member is provided with afolding and unfolding portion between said intersection and a coupledportion to the longitudinal member; and other end of other of said twodiagonal members is coupled to the other of said two longitudinalmembers so that it can be moved in the axial direction and wherein twoopposite longitudinal members correspond to longitudinal member locatedin the center of adjacent transformable frames and said centrallongitudinal member.
 57. A plane/stowage truss structure according toclaim 43 , including a line stowage-type deployable truss having atleast one deployable diagonal structure comprising: two oppositelongitudinal members; two diagonal members provided with a intersectionwhich can be turned for coupling said two longitudinal member, whereineach end of said two diagonal members is coupled to each end of said twodiagonal members and said two diagonal members are provided with afolding and unfolding portion respectively between said intersection anda coupled portion to one of said longitudinal members and wherein saidtwo diagonal members can be deployed or stowed by separation or approachand wherein said two opposite longitudinal members correspond tolongitudinal members located in the center of adjacent transformableframes and said central longitudinal member.
 58. A module linkagemechanism for linking basic modules to one another and constituting astructure comprising plural modules, comprising: a coupled memberprovided in the opposite position of each module of which end is free;and a coupling member for engaging with said free end around oppositecoupled members, wherein: said coupled member is provided with acoupling hole in the position corresponding to the coupling member; saidcoupling member is provided with a lock member with a couplingprojection engaged with said coupling hole; and a stopper member forstopping relative movement of the coupled member and the coupling memberwhich is in contact with the free end of said coupled member in a statein which said coupling projection is engaged with the coupling hole isprovided.
 59. A module linkage mechanism according to claim 58 ,wherein: the position of said lock member and said stopper member forsaid coupling member can be adjusted.
 60. A plane/line stowage trussstructure according to claim 44 , 45 , 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53,54, 55, 56 or 57, wherein: a module linkage mechanism constituting astructure comprising plural modules, is used for coupling said planestowage-type deployable truss and said line stowage-type deployabletruss to each other, the module linking mechanism comprising: a coupledmember provided in the opposite position of each module of which end isfree; and a coupling member for engaging with said free end aroundopposite coupled members, wherein: said coupled member is provided witha coupling hole in the position corresponding to the coupling member;said coupling member is provided with a lock member with a couplingprojection engaged with said coupling hole; and a stopper member forstopping relative movement of the coupled member and the coupling memberwhich is in contact with the free end of said coupled member in a statein which said coupling projection is engaged with the coupling hole. 61.A holding/releasing mechanism for holding a movable in a base structurefixedly and releasing holding power for this movable, comprising: asupport arm of which base is coupled to the base structure; a push rodlocated at the end of this support arm of which end is coupled to themovable; an intermediate link of which base is coupled to the end forsaid support arm so that it can be turned and of which end is coupled tothe base of said push rod so that it can be turned; wherein: at the endof said intermediate link, a coupling/detaching means for couplingto/detachment from the push rod is provided; this coupling/detachingmeans holds a movable in the base structure fixedly, pulling the pushrod on the side of the base structure securely when the end of saidintermediate link is turned on the side of the base of the support armwith the base as a supporting point, and releases coupling to the pushrod when the end of said intermediate link is turned on the side of anextension of the end of the support arm with the base as a supportingpoint.
 62. A holding/releasing mechanism according to claim 61 ,wherein: said coupling/detaching means is constituted by a concaveportion open in the side of an extension of the end of said intermediatelink.
 63. A holding/releasing mechanism according to claim 61 , wherein:said intermediate link is provided with a revolving means for revolvingwith the base as a supporting point.
 64. A holding/releasing mechanismaccording to claim 61 , wherein: the base of said support arm is coupledto the base structure fixedly; and the end of the push rod is coupled tomovable so that it can be turned.
 65. A holding/releasing mechanismaccording to claim 61 , wherein: the base of said support arm is coupledto the base structure fixedly so that it can be turned; and the end ofthe push rod is coupled to a movable fixedly.
 66. A holding/releasingmechanism according to claim 61 , wherein: a damper for controlling arotation speed of said intermediate link is provided.
 67. A plane/linestowage truss structure according to claim 44 , 45 , 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 or 57, wherein a holding/releasing mechanism isused for deploying said plane stowage-type deployable truss and saidline stowage-type deployable truss, the holding/releasing mechanismcomprising: a support arm of which base is coupled to the basestructure; a push rod located at the end of this support arm of whichend is coupled to the movable; an intermediate link of which base iscoupled to the end for said support arm so that it can be turned and ofwhich end is coupled to the base of said push rod so that it can beturned; wherein: at the end of said intermediate link, acoupling/detaching means for coupling to/detachment from the push rod isprovided; this coupling/detaching means holds a movable in the basestructure fixedly, pulling the push rod on the side of the basestructure securely when the end of said intermediate link is turned onthe side of the base of the support arm with the base as a supportingpoint, and releases coupling to the push rod when the end of saidintermediate link is turned on the side of an extension of the end ofthe support arm with the base as a supporting point.
 68. An approximatespherical structure constituted so that either or both of the top or/andthe bottom of each structure is/are like a spherical surface by linkingeach side of plural truncated hexagonal structures, wherein: one basestructure constituted in the shape of a truncated regular hexagon ofsaid structures is provided; and a radial position structure regarded asthe same spherical surface as a whole as structures arranged radiallyfrom each side of this base structure is provided.
 69. An approximatespherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein: each structure hasits own side members and is linked through this side member.
 70. Anapproximate spherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein: eachstructure shares its side members.
 71. An approximate sphericalstructure according to claim 68 , wherein: said approximate sphericalstructure is constituted by a plane/line stowage truss structure isconstituted in the shape of a truncated pyramid with even angles; andthe truss is constituted so that it has a curved expanse as a whole whenit is deployed.
 72. An approximate spherical structure according toclaim 68 , wherein: said approximate spherical structure is constitutedby a plane/line stowage truss structure comprising: a transformableframe constituted by a linked structure having two opposite parallelmembers and two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangle bybeing coupled to said each parallel member through a hinge; and anintermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge in the middle ofsaid each parallel member so that the member is parallel to onenonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein the distancebetween hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed byconstituting so that one end of one said parallel member can be movedalong one end of the corresponding nonparallel member.
 73. Anapproximate spherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein: saidapproximate spherical structure is constituted by a plane/line stowagetruss structure comprising: two opposite parallel members; two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; and an intermediate coupling membercoupled through a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member sothat the member is parallel to one nonparallel member of saidnonparallel members, wherein the distance between hinges for the othernonparallel member can be changed by constituting the other nonparallelmember so that it can be elongated or shortened.
 74. An approximatespherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein said approximatespherical structure is constituted by a plane/line stowage trussstructure including a plane stowage-type deployable truss having atransformable frame and constituted by a linked structure comprising:two opposite parallel members: two opposite nonparallel members forminga quadrangle by being coupled to said each parallel member through ahinge; and an intermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge inthe middle of said each parallel member so that the member is parallelto one nonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein thedistance between hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changedby constituting so that one end of one said parallel member can be movedalong one end of the corresponding nonparallel member.
 75. Anapproximate spherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein: saidapproximate spherical structure is constituted by a plane/line stowagetruss structure constituted by a linked structure, comprising: twoopposite parallel members; two opposite nonparallel members forming aquadrangle by being coupled to said each parallel member through ahinge; and an intermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge inthe middle of said each parallel member so that the member is parallelto one nonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein thedistance between hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed;and diagonal members of which one end is coupled to the corner of saidthe other nonparallel member and of which other end is coupled to saidone nonparallel member through a slider and wherein said slider isconstituted so that it can be moved along the axial direction of saidone nonparallel member.
 76. An approximate spherical structure accordingto claim 68 , wherein: said approximate spherical structure isconstituted by the plane/line stowage truss structure constituted by alinked structure comprising: two opposite parallel members; two oppositenonparallel members forming a quadrangle by being coupled to said eachparallel member through a hinge; an intermediate coupling member coupledthrough a hinge in the middle of said each parallel member so that themember is parallel to one nonparallel member of said nonparallelmembers, wherein the distance between hinges for the other nonparallelmember can be changed; and diagonal members of which one end is coupledto the corner of said the other nonparallel member and of which otherend is coupled to said one nonparallel member through a slider whereinsaid slider is constituted so that it can be moved along the axialdirection of said one nonparallel member.
 77. An approximate sphericalstructure according to claim 68 , wherein: said approximate sphericalstructure is constituted by a plane/line stowage truss structureconstituted by the linked structure comprising: two opposite parallelmembers; two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangle by beingcoupled to said each parallel member through a hinge; an intermediatecoupling member coupled through a hinge in the middle of said eachparallel member so that the member is parallel to one nonparallel memberof said nonparallel members, wherein the distance between hinges for theother nonparallel member can be changed; and diagonal members of whichone end is coupled to one end of one of said parallel members and ofwhich other end is coupled to said one nonparallel member through aslider, wherein said slider is constituted so that it can be moved alongthe axial direction of said one nonparallel member.
 78. An approximatespherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein said approximatespherical structure is constituted by a plane/line stowage trussstructure constituted by the linked structure comprising: two oppositeparallel members; two opposite nonparallel members forming a quadrangleby being coupled to said each parallel member through a hinge; anintermediate coupling member coupled through a hinge in the middle ofsaid each parallel member so that the member is parallel to onenonparallel member of said nonparallel members, wherein the distancebetween hinges for the other nonparallel member can be changed byconstituting so that one end of one said parallel member can be movedalong one end of the corresponding nonparallel member; and diagonalmembers of which one end is coupled to one end of one of said parallelmembers and of which other end is coupled to said one nonparallel memberthrough a slider, wherein said slider is constituted so that it can bemoved along the axial direction of said one nonparallel member.
 79. Anapproximate spherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein: saidapproximate spherical structure is constituted by the plane/line stowagetruss structure including at least one deployable diagonal structurecomprising: two opposite longitudinal members; two diagonal membersprovided with a intersection which can be turned for coupling said twolongitudinal member, wherein said two diagonal members can be deployedor stowed by separation or approach and said two diagonal members; andsaid two diagonal members are provided with a folding and unfoldingportion respectively between said intersection and a coupled portion toone of said longitudinal members wherein the two opposite longitudinalmembers correspond to longitudinal members located in the center ofadjacent transformable frames and a central longitudinal member.
 80. Anapproximate spherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein: saidapproximate spherical structure is constituted by a plane/line stowagetruss structure comprising: a central longitudinal member is providedpiercing the center of even-numbered polygons on one side and on theother side; a first radial member linking one side of this centrallongitudinal member and one side of said other nonparallel member isprovided; a second radial member linking the other side of the centrallongitudinal member and the other side of said other nonparallel memberis provided; and said transformable frame is constituted by the centrallongitudinal member, a set of the first and second radial members andthe corresponding longitudinal member.
 81. An approximate sphericalstructure according to claim 68 , wherein: said approximate sphericalstructure is constituted by a plane/line stowage truss strut comprising:at least one deployable diagonal structure, comprising two oppositelongitudinal members; two diagonal members provided with a intersectionwhich can be turned for coupling said two longitudinal member, whereinsaid two diagonal members can be deployed or stowed by separation orapproach and wherein each end of one of said two longitudinal members iscoupled to each end of one of said two diagonal members; and each end ofother of said two diagonal members is coupled to said two longitudinalmembers so that they can be moved in the axial direction wherein saidtwo opposite longitudinal members correspond to a longitudinal memberlocated in the center of adjacent transformable frames and a centrallongitudinal member.
 82. An approximate spherical structure according toclaim 68 , wherein said approximate spherical structure is constitutedby a plane/line stowage truss structure comprising: a firstfolding/unfolding member linking one side or the central longitudinalmember and one side of each longitudinal member located in the center ofadjacent transformable frames is provided; and a secondfolding/unfolding member linking the other side of the centrallongitudinal member and the other side of each longitudinal memberlocated in the center of adjacent transformable frames is providedwherein the first and second folding/unfolding members extend straightwhen deployed, holding even-numbered polygons on one side and on theother side.
 83. An approximate spherical structure according to claim 68, wherein said approximate spherical structure is constituted by aplane/line stowage truss structure including at least one deployablediagonal structure comprising: two opposite longitudinal members; twodiagonal members provided with a intersection which can be turned forcoupling said two longitudinal member, wherein said two diagonal memberscan be deployed or stowed by separation or approach and wherein each endof one of said two longitudinal members is coupled to each end of one ofsaid two diagonal members and wherein other end of one of said twodiagonal members is coupled to the end of one of said two longitudinalmembers; the one diagonal member is provided with a folding andunfolding portion between said intersection and a coupled portion to thelongitudinal member; and other end of other of said two diagonal membersis coupled to the other of said two longitudinal members so that it canbe moved in the axial direction and wherein two opposite longitudinalmembers correspond to longitudinal member located in the center ofadjacent transformable frames and said central longitudinal member. 84.An approximate spherical structure according to claim 68 , wherein saidapproximate spherical structure is constituted by the plane/line stowagetruss structure including a stowage-type deployable truss having atleast one deployable diagonal structure comprising: two oppositelongitudinal members; two diagonal members provided with a intersectionwhich can be turned for coupling said two longitudinal member, wherein:each end of said two diagonal members is coupled to each end of said twodiagonal members and said two diagonal members are provided with afolding and unfolding portion respectively between said intersection anda coupled portion to one of said longitudinal members; said two diagonalmembers can be deployed or stowed by separation or approach; and saidtwo opposite longitudinal members correspond to longitudinal memberslocated in the center of adjacent transformable frames and said centrallongitudinal member.
 85. A modular deployable antenna, wherein: mesh isspread on the approximate spherical structure according to claim 68 .86. A modular deployable antenna, wherein: mesh is spread on theapproximate spherical structure according to claim 71 .
 87. A modulardeployable antenna, wherein: mesh is spread on the approximate sphericalstructure according to claim 72 .
 88. A modular deployable antenna,wherein: mesh is spread on the approximate spherical structure accordingto claim 73 or 74 .
 89. A modular deployable antenna, wherein: mesh isspread on the approximate spherical structure according to claim 75 or76 .
 90. A modular deployable antenna, wherein: mesh is spread on theapproximate spherical structure according to claim 77 or 78 .
 91. Amodular deployable antenna, wherein: mesh is spread on the approximatespherical structure according to claim 79 or 80 .
 92. A modulardeployable antenna, wherein: mesh is spread on the approximate sphericalstructure according to claim 8 1 or
 82. 93. A modular deployableantenna, wherein: mesh is spread on the approximate spherical structureaccording to claim 83 or 84 .